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Harmless Bleeding: Assessing the Impact of Preoperative Anticoagulant Continuation on DVT/PE Rates in Trauma Patients
Introduction In the United States, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) rank high in terms of preventable hospital deaths. Victims of trauma are at a higher risk of developing thromboembolic complications. The aim of this study is to compare the incidence of DVT/PE in trauma patients before and after a June 2022 policy intervention to continue prophylactic anticoagulation at an academic trauma center.
Methods A retrospective review was conducted to compare DVT/PE rates in trauma patients requiring surgery from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2023. Clinical information relating to trauma date, surgery date, injury type, anticoagulant administration, DVT/PE development, and death, if applicable, was obtained from patient charts.
Results DVT/PE development was 14.553 times more likely pre-policy change when anticoagulation was held prior to surgery compared to post-policy change when anticoagulation was administered before surgery (X2 (3, N=374) =14.553, p=.002).
Conclusions Findings suggest that DVT/PE rates have significantly decreased post policy change. Limitations include the presence of comorbidities in patients, varying trauma mechanisms and injury severity, and missing documentation.
Authors 1. Armarion Stegall 2. John T. Watson, MD 3. Heidi Israel, PhD 4. Letitia Bradford, MD, FAAOS, FACS, Nth Dimensions
Affiliations 1. Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA 2. Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 3. Nth Dimensions