Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in cervical spinal cord injury
Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in cervical spinal cord injury
Prophylaxis Level I 1):
● prophylactic treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with severe motor deficits due to SCI.
Choices include:
○ LMW heparin, rotating beds, adjusted dose heparin, or some combination of these measures
○ or, low-dose heparin + pneumatic compression stockings or electrical stimulation
Level II 2):
● early administration of VTE prophylaxis (within 72 hours)
● treat for 3 months
✖ low-dose heparin should not be used alone
✖ oral anticoagulation should not be used alone
Level III 3):
● vena cava interruption filters should not be used for routine prophylaxis; they may be used for select patients who fail anticoagulation or are not candidates for anticoagulation
Diagnosis Level III 4):
● duplex Doppler ultrasound, impedance plethysmography, venography, and the clinical examination are recommended as diagnostic tests for DVT in patients with SCI