Incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with traumatic brain injury

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) may be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study was designed to review the incidence of VTE in critically injured patients with an isolated TBI using a standardized venous duplex color-flow Doppler imaging program and to compare it with the overall and high-risk trauma populations.MethodsTrauma patients who underwent lower-extremity surveillance color-flow Doppler imaging for VTE were identified. Analyses included patient demographics, characteristics of TBI, VTE risk factors, prophylaxis, incidence, location, and patient outcome.ResultsA total of 5,787 patients were admitted during the study period. Of these, 539 (9%) were deemed high risk for VTE. The incidence of VTE in patients with isolated TBI (88, 16%) was 25%. All patients and the high-risk population had incidences of 2% and 17%, respectively.ConclusionsThe incidence of VTE in isolated TBI is greatest in patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Early VTE prophylaxis is warranted in TBI patients.