Prevention of venous thromboembolism in high-risk patients

The prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients recovering from major trauma, spinal cord injury (SCI), or other critical illness is often challenging. These patient groups share a high risk for VTE, they often have at least a temporary high bleeding risk, and there are relatively few thromboprophylaxis trials specific to these populations. A systematic literature review has been conducted to summarize the risks and prevention of VTE in these three groups. It is concluded that routine thromboprophylaxis should be provided to major trauma, SCI and critical care patients based on an individual assessment of their thrombosis and bleeding risks. For patients at high risk for VTE, including those recovering from major trauma and SCI, prophylaxis with a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) should commence as soon as hemostasis has been demonstrated. For critical care patients at lower thrombosis risk, either LMWH or low-dose heparin is recommended. For those with a very high risk of bleeding, mechanical prophylaxis should be instituted as early as possible and continued until pharmacologic prophylaxis can be initiated. The use of prophylactic inferior vena caval filters is strongly discouraged because their potential benefit has not been shown to outweigh the risks or substantial costs. Implementation of thromboprophylaxis in these patients requires a local commitment to this important patient safety priority as well as a highly functional delivery system, based on the use of pre-printed orders, computer prompts, regular audit and feedback, and ongoing quality improvement efforts.