Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis after Spinal Cord Injury in Korean Patients at Acute Rehabilitation Unit

J Korean Med Sci, 2013 · DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2013.28.9.1382 · Published: September 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigates the incidence of DVT in Korean SCI patients admitted to an acute rehabilitation unit. The study found that the incidence of DVT after SCI in Korean patients is comparable to that in Western populations. This suggests that pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis should be considered for Korean patients with SCI. Researchers retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 185 SCI patients. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to screen for DVT at the time of initial presentation to the acute rehabilitation unit.

Study Duration

January 2002 to July 2011

Participants

185 SCI patients admitted for acute rehabilitation

Evidence Level

Retrospective study

Key Findings

1
The incidence of DVT after SCI was 27.6% in the studied Korean population.
2
Absence of spasticity was identified as a significant independent risk factor for the occurrence of DVT.
3
Symptomatic pulmonary embolism was evident in 7 patients, highlighting the clinical relevance of DVT.

Research Summary

This retrospective study evaluated the incidence of DVT in Korean patients with SCI admitted to an acute rehabilitation unit, finding a 27.6% incidence rate. The study identified the absence of spasticity as a significant independent risk factor for DVT and noted symptomatic pulmonary embolism in several patients. The findings suggest that pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis should be considered for Korean patients with SCI, aligning with practices in Western populations.

Practical Implications

Pharmacologic Thromboprophylaxis

Consider routine pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis for Korean SCI patients during acute rehabilitation.

Spasticity Monitoring

Pay close attention to patients without spasticity as they may be at higher risk for DVT.

Routine Surveillance

Implement routine surveillance for DVT using color Doppler US, especially during acute rehabilitation.

Study Limitations

1
Retrospective design lacking complete data on all potential risk factors like obesity.
2
Use of Doppler US as the primary diagnostic method, which may be less sensitive than contrast venography.
3
Non-standardized initial screening time for DVT and lack of routine follow-up Doppler US and PE evaluations.

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