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.
Journal Article by Kerwin AJ, Byerly S (…) Knudson MM et 4 al. in Ann Surg
Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.