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Published on: February 10, 2023
Does prophylactic anticoagulation prevent PICC-related upper extremity venous thrombosis? A case-control study
James D Wilson1, Steven C Alred
1Christus Spohn Health System, Corpus Christi, Texas (Drs Wilson and Alred). James D. Wilson, MD, MS, is a faculty physician and director of the hospitalist fellowship program of the Christus Spohn Family Medicine Residency Program. He is also a medical officer in the US Army Reserve. Steven C. Alred, MD, is chief resident in the Christus Spohn Family Medicine Residency Program.
Abstract:
The evidence regarding the value of prophylactic anticoagulation to prevent peripherally inserted central catheter-related upper extremity venous thrombosis (PRUEVT) is inconsistent. The authors reviewed 3 years of data, identifying all cases of PRUEVT at a facility in Texas, and individually matched each for risk factors with 2 controls. Not being on any form of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agent was associated with a modestly increased risk of PRUEVT (odds ratio 1.93, P = .036, 95% confidence interval, 1.025-3.602). Each approach to thrombosis prevention showed a trend toward a protective effect, but none reached statistical significance individually.
