Risk Factors of Michetti et al for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) During Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Following Trauma

Patient selection: adult receiving acute inpatient rehabilitation after major trauma

Outcome: deep vein thrombosis

Patient factors associated with increased risk of DVT:

(1) age >= 50 years (risk greater if > 65 years)

(2) longer length of stay in the ICU (>= 4 days, risk greater if > 10 days)

(3) pelvic fracture(s)

Therapeutic factors associated with increased risk of DVT:

(1) delay in starting chemoprophylactic anticoagulation

(2) lapses in receipt of chemoprophylactic anticoagulation (therapy on <= 65% of days)

Highest risk patient:

(1) age > 65 years

(2) > 10 days in ICU

(3) gaps in prophylactic anticoagulation

(4) pelvic trauma

The authors noted that deep vein thrombosis on admission for rehabilitation was infrequent so screening initially was not warranted. If multiple risk factors are present then screening may be justified.