Incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with traumatic brain injury

Background Traumatic 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. Methods Trauma 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. Results A 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. Conclusions The incidence of VTE in isolated TBI is greatest in patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Early VTE prophylaxis is warranted in TBI patients.