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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

Does intermittent pneumatic compression reduce the risk of post stroke deep vein thrombosis? The CLOTS 3 trial:

Martin Dennis1, Peter Sandercock, Gordon Murray

  • 1Division of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK. martin.dennis@ed.ac.uk

Trials
|March 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) significantly reduced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk in immobile stroke patients. This best medical care plus IPC approach offers a vital preventative strategy for stroke survivors, improving outcomes and quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Trials
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent and serious complication following stroke.
  • Immobility post-stroke increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) as an adjunct to best medical care in preventing proximal DVT in immobile stroke patients.
  • To assess the impact of IPC on the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic DVT, as well as long-term outcomes like PE, functional status, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter, parallel-group randomized controlled trial (CLOTS 3) involving 2,876 immobile stroke patients within 3 days of admission.
  • Patients received either best medical care or best medical care plus IPC.
  • Compression Doppler ultrasound was used to detect DVT at 7-10 and 25-30 days post-randomization. Follow-up at 6 months assessed for symptomatic DVT, PE, functional outcome, and quality of life.

Main Results:

  • The study aimed to detect a 4% absolute difference in DVT risk between groups, with over 90% power.
  • Detailed statistical analysis plan for primary and secondary outcomes has been described.

Conclusions:

  • Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a potentially effective intervention for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in immobile stroke patients.
  • Further results will elucidate the definitive impact of IPC on VTE, functional outcomes, and quality of life in this vulnerable population.
Abstract

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