Prevention of venous thromboembolism in spinal surgery

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and its most feared complication, pulmonary embolism (PE), still have a high incidence with high risk for patients health. Proven prophylactic measures are available but are generally underused, and DVT is still considered the most common cause of preventable death among hospitalized patients. The rationale for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism is based on the clinically silent nature of the disease, the relatively high prevalence among hospitalized patients and the potentially tragic consequences of a missed diagnosis. During the last 15–20 years, spine surgery has changed radically, developing into a well-defined area of specialist surgery, and some attention is now being given to DVT events in spine surgery. The incidence of DVT during spine surgery is not documented in the literature, because only case reports or retrospective studies are reported. It would therefore be very helpful to initiate a multicenter study in order to understand this problem better and to develop, if possible, some guidelines on prophylactic measures in spine surgery. In doing so, we need to consider each patients pattern, any risk factors and every kind of surgical technique related to DVT, in order to improve the outcome of the patient and to reduce any medicolegal problems that could arise from a thrombotic complication or an epidural hematoma, with its high potential for irreversible consequences.     

Deep Venous Thrombosis in Spine Surgery Patients: Incidence and Hematoma Formation

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a significant health care problem; a variety of factors place spinal surgery patients at high risk for DVT. Our aim is to define the incidence of DVT occurrence in spite of prophylactic measures (mechanical and chemoprophylaxis), and the development of spinal epidural hematoma as a complication of chemoprophylaxis. In a single-center prospective study, 158 patients who underwent spinal surgical procedures were evaluated by clinical evaluation and lower limb Doppler ultrasonography imaging. Only one patient (0.6%) developed DVT; this patient was treated successfully without thrombus progression, with full recanalization. Three patients (1.8%) developed spinal epidural hematoma, but only one required surgical evacuation, and none sustained neurologic deficit. Careful evaluation for DVT risk on an individual basis and good prophylaxis helps to minimize the risk of DVT. The neurosurgeon is thus left to weigh the risks of postoperative hematoma formation against the benefits of protecting against DVT.     

肺栓塞6例临床报告

目的　总结肺栓塞的形成、临床特点及治疗方法。方法　搜集卢旺达基本古医院 1997年 7月至 1999年 7月肺动脉栓塞 6例患者临床资料 ,对其诊断及治疗作分析总结。结果　肺动脉栓塞多见于手术后患者、老年人、久病卧床伴有高黏滞血症者 ,易形成深静脉血栓。临床表现为咳嗽、胸闷、胸痛、气短和呼吸困难 ,可通过血液流变学的检查协助诊断 ,多普勒彩超及血管造影、胸片确诊。结论　肺栓塞易被忽视 ,早期诊断和治疗对改善预后很有价值     

Does thromboprophylaxis reduce symptomatic venous thromboembolism in patients with below knee cast treatment for foot and ankle trauma? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Our aim was to determine the evidence for thromboprophylaxis for prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adults with foot or ankle trauma treated with below knee cast or splint. Our secondary aim was to report major bleeding events.

Antithrombotic pharmacologic prophylaxis use during conservative and surgical management of foot and ankle disorders: a systematic review

The use of antithrombotic pharmacologic prophylaxis during conservative or postoperative management of foot and ankle disorders is controversial. This article presents a systematic review of the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolus (PE) during management of foot and ankle disorders in patients who did or did not receive antithrombotic pharmacologic prophylaxis. Incidence of DVT/PE in both groups was low; however, more than half of the patients in both groups received some form of antithrombotic pharmacologic prophylaxis of varying duration, making it difficult to determine the true protective effect of antithrombotic pharmacologic prophylaxis.     

A retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of low molecular weight heparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in trauma patients

Background

In trauma patients, Enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin, LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk reduction is unproven.

Methods

Cohort analysis conducted consisting of all trauma patients age >13 admitted to Level-I trauma center and hospitalized >48 hours. VTE risk determined by the Risk Assessment Profile. High risk patients received LMWH unless contraindicated, while low and moderate risk patients received LMWH at attending surgeon's discretion. Odds ratio for VTE by logistic regression. VTE incidence, relative risk (RR), and number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism determined by risk category.

Results

Cohort consisted of 2,281 patients (1,211 low, 979 moderate, 91 high risks). VTE occured in 254 patients (11.1%). High-risk patients had significantly higher VTE incidence, odds ratio = 31.8 (P < .001). VTE was significantly reduced in high-risk patients receiving LMWH versus those who did not (.26 vs .53, P = .02). Among moderate and high risk, prophylactic LMWH reduced the incidence of pulmonary embolism (RR = .19, NNT = 40.4, P = .01), and trended toward reduced DVT incidence (RR = .81, NNT = 27.3, P = .15). LMWH lowered DVT incidence (RR = .52, NNT = 4.1, P = .03) in high risk patients.

Conclusion

Prophylactic LMWH is associated with reduction of VTE in trauma patients.     

Fatal pulmonary embolism following conservatively managed tendo achilles rupture-A case report

IntroductionTendo achilles (TA) ruptures are commonly encountered in orthopaedic practice. These can be managed operatively or conservatively depending on various factors like patient age, activity levels, co morbidities, patient expectations and surgeon preference. They are usually treated in plaster cast immobilisation if managed conservatively.Case reportWe present a case of fatal pulmonary embolism following conservatively managed Tendo achilles (TA) rupture in a young man treated as an orthopaedic outpatient.DiscussionThere are no current clear guidelines on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in conservatively managed outpatients with cast immobilisation.ConclusionOur case report highlights the importance of recognition of this aspect of patient management and reviews the current literature available on this debatable topic.     

Pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic antireflux surgery: a case report and review of the literature.

Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are concerning causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing general surgical procedures. Laparoscopic surgery has gained rapid acceptance in the past several years and is now a commonly performed procedure by most general surgeons. Multiple anecdotal reports of pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been reported, but the true incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery is not known. We present a case of pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia. The literature is then reviewed regarding the incidence of pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic surgery, the mechanism of deep venous thrombosis formation, and the recommendations for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures.     

Severe hypoxia following spinal anesthesia: Possible association with pulmonary embolism

Key words  spinal anesthesia - hypoxia - pulmonary embolism     

间歇充气装置和低分子肝素预防消化系肿瘤术后下肢深静脉血栓形成的效果

目的探讨间歇充气装置(intermittent pneumatic compression,IPC)和低分子肝素(low molecular weight heparin,LMWH)预防消化系肿瘤术后下肢深静脉血栓形成(deep vein thrombosis,DVT)的效果。方法 2008年1～8月60例因消化系肿瘤行根治性手术,按随机数字表法分为3组,因未完成术后检查或治疗等依从性不好的因素,造成无法判断效果而剔除7例,最终入组53例:20例无预防措施(对照组)、15例术中和术后使用IPC(IPC组)及18例术后使用低分子肝素治疗(LMWH组)。术前和术后3～10 d行双下肢血管超声检查,记录DVT发生情况。对所有患者术前、术后第1、3、7天的血小板(PLT)、凝血酶原时间(PT)和国际标准化比值(INR)、活化的部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)、纤维蛋白原(FIB)、D-二聚体(D-D)进行分析。结果对照组、IPC组、LMWH组DVT发生率分别为30.0%(6/20)、20.0%(3/15)和5.6%(1/18),组间比较差异无显著性(χ2=4.165,P=0.125),LMWH组与对照组比较差异无显著性(Fisher’s检验,P=0.061)。10例发生血栓患者中超重、血栓栓塞病史的发生率显著高于43例未发生血栓患者(χ2=5.106,P=0.024;χ2=5.106,P=0.024)。发生血栓患者术前、术后第1天和第3天血小板明显高于未发生血栓患者(t=2.676,P=0.000;t=2.203,P=0.032;t=3.040,P=0.004),术后第3天D-D也明显高于未发生血栓者(Z=-2.355,P=0.018),其余观察指标均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。术后第3天LMWH组PT较对照组明显延长(P=0.017),INR也较对照组明显升高(P=0.035),3组间手术前后血小板、APTT、FIB、D-D差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论单一使用IPC和LMWH未能减少消化系肿瘤术后下肢DVT的发生,但使用低分子肝素有减少消化系肿瘤患者术后DVT发生的趋势,超重和血栓栓塞病史可能是发生血栓的危险因素。     

低分子量肝素预防股静脉置管后血栓形成的临床疗效

目的：观察低分子量肝素预防股静脉置管术后深静脉血栓形成的效果。方法122例下肢深静脉置管患者随机分为治疗组（63例）和对照组（59例）。治疗组每日皮下注射低分子量肝素5000IU,对照组采取下肢主被动活动等常规预防方法。观察2组深静脉血栓的发生率及治疗组治疗前后凝血功能及血小板有无变化。结果治疗组有7例出现深静脉血栓,对照组有15例出现,2组间差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。治疗组治疗前后APTT、PT、INR、PLT均无显著差异。结论股静脉置管术后使用低分子量肝素可以有效预防下肢深静脉血栓形成。     

The origin of fatal pulmonary emboli: a postmortem analysis of 500 deaths from pulmonary embolism in trauma,surgical, and medical patients

Background

The traditional theory that pulmonary emboli (PE) originate from the lower extremity has been challenged.

Methods

All autopsies performed in Los Angeles County between 2002 and 2010 where PE was the cause of death were reviewed.

Results

Of the 491 PE deaths identified, 36% were surgical and 64% medical. Venous dissection for clots was performed in 380 patients; the PE source was the lower extremity (70.8%), pelvic veins (4.2 %), and upper extremity (1.1%). No source was identified in 22.6% of patients. Body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.044, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.011 to 1.078, P = .009) and age (AOR 1.018, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.036, P = .042) were independent predictors for identifying a PE source. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AOR .173, 95% CI .046 to .646, P = .009) was predictive of not identifying a PE source.

Conclusions

Most medical and surgical patients with fatal PE had a lower extremity source found, but a significant number had no source identified. Age and body mass index were positively associated with PE source identification. However, a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with no PE source identification.     

直肠癌术后应用低分子肝素预防静脉血栓性疾病的价值

目的 评价直肠癌术后早期应用低分子肝素预防静脉血栓性疾病的临床价值.方法 回顾性分析2008年10月至2010年10月天津市人民医院收治的120例行直肠癌根治手术患者的临床资料,根据是否应用低分子肝素将患者分为试验组(50例)和对照组(70例).试验组患者术后8～12 h给予皮下注射低分子肝素钙0.4 ml(4100 U),以后每日注射1次,直至下床活动为止.对照组未应用低分子肝素治疗.比较两组患者发生静脉血栓性疾病(VTE)及术后出血等情况,并对VTE患者进行危险因素分析.计量资料采用t检验,率的比较采用x2检验或Fisher确切概率法,影响术后VTE形成因素采用Logistic回归分析.结果 试验组和对照组患者术后VTE发生率分别为2.0％ (1/50)和14.3％ (10/70),两组比较,差异有统计学意义(x2=3.915,P＜0.05);试验组和对照组患者术后出血发生率分别为6.0％ (3/50)和2.9％(2/70),两组比较,差异无统计学意义(x2=0.149,P＞0.05).下肢静脉曲张、既往心肺疾患及用药史、肥胖和年龄＞ 65岁是导致直肠癌术后易患VTE的独立危险因素(OR =2.3,2.5,1.4,2.1,P＜0.05).随着危险因素的不断累加,VTE患病数量呈现上升的趋势.结论 直肠癌手术伴发易患VTE多种危险因素的患者术后早期应用低分子肝素预防VTE安全且疗效肯定.     

疏血通联合低分子肝素钠治疗深静脉血栓的疗效观察

目的探讨疏血通联合低分子肝素钠治疗下肢深静脉血栓症的临床疗效和安全性。方法将70例下肢深静脉血栓症患者随机分为试验组和对照组,每组各35例。对照组予低分子肝素纳5000U皮下注射,每12小时1次。试验组在此基础上加用疏血通注射液6mL＋生理盐水250mL静脉点滴,每天1次,10d为一疗程。结果试验组总有效率94.3%,对照组为68.6%,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,两组均未出现严重不良反应。结论疏血通联合低分子肝素钠治疗下肢静脉血栓症疗效显著,安全性好。     

低分子量肝素钙预防直肠癌术后下肢深静脉血栓形成的疗效及安全性观察

目的观察低分子量肝素钙预防直肠癌术后下肢深静脉血栓形成(DVT)的临床疗效及安全性。方法将64例施行直肠癌根治术的患者随机分为联合治疗组与对照组,联合治疗组34例,对照组30例,联合治疗组应用低分子量肝素钙抗凝治疗,对照组不用。术后2~3周内复查下肢静脉彩超判定有无DVT,术后认真记录骶前引流管引流量及血、尿、痰和大便检查,观察有无出血。结果联合治疗组DVT发生率5.9%,对照组DVT发生率13.3%,2组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。联合治疗组没有发现出血及出血倾向。结论低分子量肝素钙可以降低直肠癌根治术后DVT发生率,安全性高。     

下腔静脉滤器预防肺栓塞及其并发症

目的探讨放置下腔静脉滤器在预防下肢深静脉血栓导致肺栓塞中的临床作用。方法74例下肢深静脉血栓形成患者(42例已经发生肺栓塞),为预防肺栓塞或再次肺栓塞而置入下腔静脉滤器,65例患者放置永久滤器,9例年轻患者放置可回收滤器。除8例有抗凝禁忌证患者外,其他患者行抗凝溶栓治疗。可回收滤器在放置后6~15天取出。随访观察有无滤器并发症、肺栓塞或复发肺栓塞出现。结果滤器均成功放置,患者未出现滤器错位、移位、倾斜、血栓脱落、滤器折断、腔静脉穿孔等并发症,随访期内未发现肺栓塞或复发肺栓塞,2例放置永久滤器的患者出现滤器血栓形成,1例放置可回收滤器的患者下腔静脉造影发现滤器血栓形成,其他8例可回收滤器取出后肉眼可见血栓,虽然造影没有发现。结论下腔静脉滤器作为预防肺栓塞的方法其效果值得肯定,但应该注意滤器血栓形成,在放置前选择合适的适应证。     

Assessment of empiric body mass index-based thromboprophylactic dosing of enoxaparin after bariatric surgery: evidence for dosage adjustment using anti-factor Xa in high-risk patients

BackgroundDespite thromboprophylaxis, postoperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism occur after bariatric surgery, perhaps because of failure to achieve optimal prophylactic levels in the obese population.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of prophylactic dosing of enoxaparin in patients with severe obesity by performing an antifactor Xa (AFXa) assay.SettingAn academic medical centerMethodsIn this observational study, all bariatric surgery cases at an academic center between December 2016 and April 2017 who empirically received prophylactic enoxaparin (adjusted by body mass index [BMI] threshold of 50 kg/m²) were studied. The AFXa was measured 3–5 hours after the second dose of enoxaparin.ResultsA total of 105 patients were included; 85% were female with a median age of 47 years. In total, 16 patients (15.2%) had AFXa levels outside the prophylactic range: 4 (3.8%) cases were in the subprophylactic and 12 (11.4%) cases were in the supraprophylactic range. Seventy patients had a BMI <50 kg/m² and empirically received enoxaparin 40 mg every 12 hours; AFXa was subprophylactic in 4 (5.7%) and supraprophylactic in 6 (8.6%) of these patients. Of the 35 patients with a BMI ≥50 who empirically received enoxaparin 60 mg q12h, no AFXa was subprophylactic and 6 (17.1%) were supraprophylactic. Five patients (4.8%) had major bleeding complications. One patient developed pulmonary embolism on postoperative day 35.ConclusionBMI-based thromboprophylactic dosing of enoxaparin after bariatric surgery could be suboptimal in 15% of patients with obesity. Overdosing of prophylactic enoxaparin can occur more commonly than underdosing. AFXa testing can be a practical way to measure adequacy of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis, especially in patients who are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism or bleeding.     

Temporary vena cava filters in the prevention of pulmonary embolism during total hip arthroplasty

Thromboembolism constitutes one of the most dangerous complications during the immediate postoperative period of prosthetic surgery. Pharmacological prophylaxis and mechanical vascular compression are not always sufficient to protect from this surgical complication. In patients at greatest risk for thromboembolism, often with a positive history for pulmonary embolism, temporary vena cava filters may be used to reduce the incidence of vascular and pulmonary complications. However useful, these filters cannot be routinely used in orthopedic surgery. We present our results with the use of Filcard RFO2 vena cava filters in an open, randomized study of 30 patients. Received: 5 November 2001/Accepted: 30 November 2001     

利伐沙班和低分子肝素钙预防老年股骨粗隆间骨折术后深静脉血栓形成的效果比较

目的比较分析利伐沙班与低分子肝素钙预防老年股骨粗隆间骨折术后深静脉血栓形成(DVT)的疗效。方法回顾性分析自2011-12—2013-12诊治70例股骨粗隆间骨折的临床资料,探讨术后采用利伐沙班(利伐沙班组)和低分子肝素钙(低分子肝素钙组)预防术后下肢DVT的疗效和安全性。结果所有患者获得平均6(3~12)个月随访。2组DVT发生率比较:利伐沙班组中2例发生DVT(5.56%);低分子肝素钙组中2例发生DVT(5.88%),2组DVT发生率(χ~2=0.004,P=3.84)比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。2组血小板(PLT)、活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)值术后1 d、术后10 d与术前比较均有下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),但术后1 d与术后10 d比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);2组谷丙转氨酶(ALT)值在术前、术后无明显变化,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。2组均无大出血患者,术中出血量、术后引流量比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论本研究结果表明应用利伐沙班与低分子肝素钙预防老年股骨粗隆间骨折术后DVT形成的对比研究中,二者均无术中、术后大出血,对肝肾功能均无影响,但利伐沙班对凝血功能影响更小。     

Epidural hematoma following low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis and spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery

Epidural hematoma is a very uncommon complication of spinal anesthesia. Its incidence has been reported to be between 1:200 000–250 000 in the obstetric population following neuraxial anesthesia. Cesarean delivery increases the risk of maternal venous thromboembolism significantly and recommendations to decrease its incidence and morbidity have been developed. Strategies to decrease venous thromboembolism include pharmacologic prophylaxis with unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin. We report a case of spinal-epidural hematoma occurring in a parturient who received spinal anesthesia for a planned, repeat cesarean delivery after low molecular weight heparin thromboprophylaxis.