Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
The utility of D-dimer levels in screening for thromboembolic complications in burn patients
Wendy L Wahl1, Mary-Margaret Brandt, Karla Ahrns
1Trauma Burn Center, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0033, USA.
Abstract:
Recent studies confirm that thromboembolic complications in burn patients are higher than previously reported. Swelling, pain, and erythema are not useful indicators of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in burned extremities. We propose that D-dimer levels may be useful in determining which patients would benefit from further screening for DVT. Thirty adult hospitalized burn patients were screened for DVT with duplex ultrasound on admission and then weekly until discharge. D-dimer levels were measured at the same intervals. Seven patients developed 11 cases of DVT. The mean time to DVT diagnosis was 6.7 days. D-dimer levels were elevated in 86% of DVT patients at week 1, with a negative predictive value of 94%. The evaluation of elevated D-dimer levels at week 1 may be a useful screening tool for detecting DVT in the burn population.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
