Posttraumatic thromboprophylaxis revisited: an argument against the current methods of DVT and PE prophylaxis after injury.
BACKGROUND
Thromboprophylaxis after injury is a controversial issue. Practices and outcomes vary widely.


METHODS
Review of selected trauma literature on venous thromboprophylaxis after injury.


RESULTS
Multiple trauma articles suggest that the efficacy of different methods of thromboprophylaxis is unproven. Most of the practices on this issue are extrapolated from studies which were performed in non-trauma patients and therefore, may not be applicable in the unique trauma population.


CONCLUSIONS
In the absence of undisputable evidence, none of the current methods of venous thromboprophylaxis after injury should be considered as standard of care. There is a need to discover new methods of thromboprophylaxis for the Trauma patient.
George C
GC
Velmahos
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016306:Vena Cava Filters; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin