Acute pharmacological DVT prophylaxis after spinal cord injury

J Neurotrauma. 2011 Aug;28(8):1509-14. doi: 10.1089/neu.2009.1155-A. Epub 2010 Aug 26.

Abstract

A systematic review of the literature was performed to address pertinent clinical questions regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in the setting of acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Deep vein thromboses are a common occurrence following SCI. Administration of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) within 72 h of injury is recommended to minimize the occurrence of DVT. Furthermore, when surgical intervention is required, LMWH should be held the morning of surgery, and resumed within 24 h post-operatively.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications*
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology
  • Venous Thrombosis / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight