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Published on: August 18, 2015
The wheelchair thrombosis syndrome
Ghan-Shyam Lohiya1, Lilia Tan-Figueroa, Steve Silverman
1Fairview Developmental Center, Costa Mesa, CA, USA. glohiya@fdc.dds.ca.gov
Journal of the National Medical Association
|August 10, 2006
Summary
Prolonged wheelchair use can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition. Researchers propose "wheelchair thrombosis syndrome" to raise awareness of this preventable risk.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant health concern, often linked to immobility.
- Understanding risk factors associated with prolonged sedentary behavior is crucial for prevention.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old patient with spastic quadriplegia experienced severe leg swelling.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed common femoral vein thrombosis.
- Laboratory tests revealed elevated cardiolipin immunoglobulin G, suggesting antiphospholipid syndrome.
Findings:
- The patient's DVT was strongly associated with daily 10-12 hour wheelchair use.
- Anticoagulation therapy led to a significant reduction in extremity swelling over 45 days.
- Subclinical antiphospholipid syndrome was identified as a contributing hypercoagulable state.
Implications:
- This case highlights prolonged wheelchair use as a potential cause of DVT.
- The proposed term "wheelchair thrombosis syndrome" aims to increase recognition of this avoidable risk.
- Long-term anticoagulation is recommended for patients with DVT and underlying hypercoagulability.
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