Prospective evaluation of the safety of enoxaparin prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in patients with intracranial hemorrhagic injuries.
BACKGROUND
Patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhagic injuries (IHIs) are at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The safety of early anticoagulation for IHI has not been established.


OBJECTIVE
Enoxaparin can be safely administered to most patients with IHI for VTE prophylaxis.


METHODS
Level I trauma center.


METHODS
Prospective, single-cohort, observational study.


METHODS
One hundred fifty (85%) of 177 patients with blunt IHI received enoxaparin beginning approximately 24 hours after hospital admission until discharge. Brain computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed at admission, 24 hours after admission, and at variable intervals thereafter based on clinical course. Patients were excluded for coagulopathy, heparin allergy, expected brain death or discharge within 48 hours, and age younger than 14 years. Complications of enoxaparin prophylaxis were defined as Marshall CT grade progression of IHI, expansion of an existing IHI, or development of a new hemorrhagic lesion on follow-up CT after beginning enoxaparin use.


RESULTS
Thirty-four patients (23%) had CT progression of IHI. Twenty-eight CT scans (19%) worsened before enoxaparin therapy and 6 (4%) worsened after beginning enoxaparin use. No differences between operative patient (2/24, 8%) and nonoperative patient (4/126, 3%) complications were identified (P =.23). Study group mortality was 7% (10/150). All 6 patients who developed progression of IHI after initiation of enoxaparin therapy survived hospitalization. A deep vein thrombosis was identified in 2 (2%) of 106 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Enoxaparin can be safely used for VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients with IHI when started 24 hours after hospital admission or after craniotomy.
Norwood
Scott H
SH
Department of Surgery, East Texas Medical Center, 1020 E Idel St, Tyler, TX 75701, USA. snorwood@cox-internet.com
McAuley
Clyde E
CE
Berne
John D
JD
Vallina
Van L
VL
Kerns
D Brent
DB
Grahm
Thomas W
TW
Short
Kevin
K
McLarty
Jerry W
JW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020198:Intracranial Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin