Early VTE prophylaxis significantly reduces complications in trauma patients

Initiating pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis within 24 hours of major trauma reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) by 42% compared to later initiation. In a study comparing 3,369 early initiation patients with 3,200 late initiators, VTE incidence was 2.8% versus 7.8%, respectively. Additionally, early initiation correlated with lower intracranial hemorrhage and mortality rates. These findings suggest that timely VTE prophylaxis should be adopted as standard care, including in those with traumatic brain injuries.