Rehabilitation Evidence > Venous Thromboembolism > Key Points

Key Points

Submitted by admin on Sat, 05/22/2010 - 23:58
  • Deep venous thrombosis is common in spinal cord injured patients not receiving prophylaxis.
  • 5,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours of unfractionated heparin does not appear to prevent venous thrombosis post SCI while higher adjusted doses are more effective.
  • Low molecular weight heparin reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism post SCI more effectively than standard or unfractionated heparin prophylaxis with less bleeding complications.
  • There appears to be no difference between Enoxaparin and Dalteparin in reducing the risk of venous thrombosis post SCI.
  • Mechanical compression may reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism post SCI.
  • The use of rotating treatment tables reduces the incidence of venous thrombo-embolism post SCI.
  • A combined regiment of pneumatic compression, pressure stockings and low-dose heparin given prophylactically may reduce the incidence of venous thrombosis and the effect is better in early post SCI.
  • Inferior vena cava filters significantly reduce the risk of pulmonary emboli in high-risk SCI patients.
  • Enoxaparin subcutaneously can be considered as an alternative to intravenous Heparin for acute DVTs post SCI although more research needs to be done.