- Whenever possible, compression hose or pneumatic devices should be applied to the legs of all patients for the first 2 weeks following injury. External pneumatic compression devices may be knee or thigh length with single or sequential chamber compression. The effectiveness of these devices may be enhanced by combining them with other antithrombotic agents
.
(Scientific evidence-level I; Grade of recommendation - A; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
- During every nursing shift, compression modalities should be inspected for proper placement and the underlying skin examined for evidence of abrasions, ecchymoses, or injury. In patients whose thromboprophylaxis has been delayed for more than 72 hours after injury, tests to exclude the presence of leg thrombi should be performed prior to applying compression devices
.
(Scientific evidence-NA; Grade of recommendation - expert consensus; Strength of panel opinion - strong)
- Vena cava filter placement is indicated in spinal cord injury patients who have failed anticoagulant prophylaxis or who have a contraindication to anticoagulation, such as active or potential bleeding sites not amenable to local control (e.g., the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs). Filters should also be considered in patients with complete motor paralysis due to lesions in the high cervical cord (C2, C3), with poor cardiopulmonary reserve, or with thrombus in the inferior vena cava despite anticoagulant prophylaxis. However, filter placement is not a substitute for thromboprophylaxis, which should be commenced as soon as feasible. Furthermore, filter placement may increase the risk for future development of deep vein thrombosis
.
(Scientific evidence-level IV; Grade of recommendation - C; Strength of panel opinion - moderate)
Adverse experiences reported with vena cava filters include cava thrombosis, filter migration, perforation of the vena cava, and complications at the skin insertion site. The frequency of these problems using the newer small caliber systems and percutaneous insertion is low. Filter malposition is usually due to poor insertion technique, but also can be related to anomalies involving the cava or renal veins or to the presence of intracaval thrombus. This complication can be largely eliminated by the use of routine preinsertion inferior vena cavagrams and fluoroscopic guidance, which should be a prerequisite to filter placement. A follow-up plain film of the abdomen should always be obtained immediately after the procedure to document filter position. Recurrent pulmonary embolism (defined as embolization with the filter in place) is reported in 2 percent to 5 percent of patients.
Anticoagulant Prophylaxis
- Anticoagulant prophylaxis with either low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or adjusted dose unfractionated heparin should be initiated within 72 hours after spinal cord injury, provided there is no active bleeding or coagulopathy
.
(Scientific evidence-one level II study; Grade of recommendation - B; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
- Anticoagulants should be continued until discharge in patients with incomplete injuries, for 8 weeks in patients with uncomplicated complete motor injury, and for 12 weeks or until discharge from rehabilitation for those with complete motor injury and other risk factors (e.g., lower limb fractures, a history of thrombosis, cancer, heart failure, obesity, or age over 70). This recommendation also applies to those with inferior vena cava filters, because such persons are at increased risk for deep vein thrombosis
.
(Scientific evidence-level IV studies; Grade of recommendation - C; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
Prophylaxis Based on Patient Stratification for Risk
- Patients with complete motor and/or incomplete nonfunctional motor involvement should be on prophylactic measures for venous thromboembolism as early as possible
.
(Scientific evidence-level I; Grade of recommendation - A; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
Many studies have shown that the risk of thromboembolism in spinal cord injury increases rapidly following injury and is maximal between days 7 and 10. Anticoagulants may be withheld during the first 24 to 48 hours after injury because of concern for bleeding complications and for potential neurological deterioration. The incidence of venous thromboembolism within the first 72 hours is probably small, but measures such as mechanical devices and physical modalities should be implemented to prevent thromboembolism. If surgical intervention such as spinal stabilization is required, heparin or low molecular weight heparin may be withheld the morning of the procedure and resumed the next day. Physical modalities, including compression devices, should be continued if possible during this period.
- Spinal cord injured patients with functional motor movements or with no significant motor/neurological deficits should be on prophylactic measures as early as possible
.
(Scientific evidence-level I; Grade of recommendation - A; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
Because of prolonged bed rest and concomitant injuries, these patients should be on prophylactic measures, at least until they are ambulatory.
- The duration of the prophylaxis for thromboembolism should be individualized, depending on the need, medical condition, functional status, support services, and risk of the patient
.
(Scientific evidence-level II; Grade of recommendation - B; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
See the original guideline for a discussion of the evidence relating to duration of prophylaxis after spinal cord injury.
- Reinstitution of prophylactic measures should be
considered in chronic spinal cord injury patients if they are immobilized with
bed rest for a prolonged period of time, are readmitted for medical illnesses
or altered medical conditions, or undergo surgical procedures
(Scientific evidence-level I; Grade of recommendation - A; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
Failure of Prophylaxis
- In symptomatic patients, perform ultrasound of the lower extremities and/or ventilation/perfusion lung scanning. If clinical suspicion is strong but the tests are negative or indeterminate, obtain venography of the legs, spiral computerized tomography of the lungs, or pulmonary angiography
.
(Scientific evidence-level I; Grade of recommendation - A; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
Failure of prophylaxis should be suspected in individuals with unexplained fever; unilateral leg swelling, pain, or erythema; or sudden onset of hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypoxemia. Although the ultrasound examination of the lower extremities is highly sensitive and specific in symptomatic persons, its is less sensitive in those who are asymptomatic, and venography may be necessary to establish a diagnosis.
Ventilation/perfusion lung scans are interpreted as normal or high, intermediate, or low probability of pulmonary embolism. Only normal or high probability lung scans are regarded as definitive; scans in the other categories offer no assurance that patients have or do not have thromboses, and therefore further evaluation, such as spinal computerized tomography of the chest or pulmonary angiography, is required if there is a strong clinical suspicion of thromboembolism.
Exercise, Passive Movement, and Early Mobilization
- Early mobilization and passive exercise should be initiated as soon as the patient is medically and surgically stable. These activities should be coordinated with other preventative modalities. With documented deep venous thrombosis, mobilization and exercise of the lower extremities should be withheld 48 to 72 hours until appropriate medical therapy is implemented
.
(Scientific evidence-NA; Grade of recommendation - expert consensus; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
Physical therapy has been a routine part of acute spinal cord injury treatment for decades. The physical therapy assessment and treatment focuses on respiratory function, muscle strength, joint range of motion, and skin condition. Orientation to the vertical position and initiation of functional activities begin when spinal stability has been established. In terms of prevention of deep vein thrombosis, it is widely held that early mobilization and movement of the extremities are essential parts of treatment.
In the acute phase of spinal cord injury management, physical therapy intervention can begin immediately in the intensive care unit. The goal of range-of-motion activities is to prevent joint contractures. However, because of spinal instability, certain precautions may be necessary. Range-of-motion activities of the shoulder and arms must be limited in patients with cervical injuries. Similarly, hip flexion and extension should be limited in individuals with low thoracic and lumbar injuries. Movement of the extremities occurs passively or, if possible, actively. With incomplete injuries, active muscle contraction may be possible. Movement and strengthening activities can become more vigorous as the patient is cleared for more functional activity and as he or she moves into the postacute phase.
Educational Priorities for Health Care Professionals
- Health care professionals should be aware of the signs and symptoms of deep venous thrombosis and should perform physical assessment to detect this complication. Appropriate prophylactic measures, including application of mechanical devices and administration of anticoagulant agents, should be implemented. Patients, family members, and significant others should be educated in the recognition and prevention of deep venous thrombosis
.
(Scientific evidence-NA; Grade of recommendation - expert consensus; Strength of panel opinion - strong).
With an understanding of the rate of incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies, health care professionals can be instrumental in preventing and treating deep vein thrombosis. Physical assessment should be performed on each patient twice daily. All extremities should be inspected for the following signs of deep vein thrombosis:
- An increase in the circumference of the calf or
thigh (unilateral edema)
- An increase in the venous pattern of collateral
veins in the affected extremity
- Pain, tenderness, and/or heaviness of the affected
extremity
- A low-grade fever of unknown origin
The patient also should be monitored for clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolus, which include chest pain, breathlessness, apprehension, fever, and cough. The neurovascular status of the extremities also should be assessed. The physician should be notified if there is a change in baseline signs and symptoms, and the patient should be immobilized until seen by a physician.
Because patients are frequently asymptomatic, health care professionals need to understand what factors increase the risk of developing a thromboembolism. In persons with spinal cord injury, immobilization due to paralysis or to concomitant injuries, such as lower limb fractures, greatly increase the risk of thrombosis. Other risk factors include dehydration, obesity, age over 40, malignancy, congestive heart failure, estrogen therapy, pregnancy, and a history of thrombosis.
Additional interventions should include the performance of active and passive range-of-motion exercises and the application of elastic support hose and mechanical devices. Elastic support, such as elastic bandages or compression stockings, should be worn to promote venous return and to control edema. The devices should be removed twice daily and the legs and feet carefully inspected for signs of erythema, ecchymoses, or skin breakdown. Hose must be applied so that tight bands around the limb are avoided. If pneumatic compression systems are implemented, they must be monitored regularly to assure correct placement of the sleeves and proper function of the pump. The extremities must be examined before and after the application of stockings and sleeves to make certain that the integrity of the underlying skin is not compromised from pressure exerted by the devices. Pneumatic compression systems--intermittent or sequential--are contraindicated in patients with severe arterial insufficiency.
A baseline partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and platelet count should be obtained before heparin and/or warfarin therapy are initiated. Patients receiving heparin should be observed for signs of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which usually appear 5 to 7 days after initial exposure to heparin, or sooner with reexposure to heparin. The diagnosis is suspected if the platelet count declines by 50 percent or more and/or if signs of venous or arterial occlusion occur: stroke, myocardial infarction, or acute arterial or venous thrombosis. Patients also should be monitored for signs of bleeding, including epistaxis, hematoma, hematuria, melena, and/or decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Intake and output should be monitored and fluids administered as needed to maintain fluid balance and avoid dehydration. The legs should be elevated above the level of the heart. Elevation of the knees--using either pillows or the bed adjustment--should be avoided, as this creates a jack-knife position that can promote venous obstruction, venous hypertension, and thrombus formation. If elevation of the foot gatch is required, the knee section of the bed also should be raised to prevent hyperextension of the leg.
Comprehensive patient and staff educational programs should include information about the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism, the importance of physician notification if thrombosis is suspected, and the common risk factors that increase the likelihood of clotting. Interventions that protect against thrombosis should be emphasized:
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Cessation of smoking
- Good elastic support
- Avoidance of constricting garters, leg bag straps, tight knee-high boots, girdles, or overly tight pantyhose or slacks
If the patient is receiving anticoagulant therapy, instructions should include the purpose of the drug, the side effects (e.g., bleeding), potential drug and food interactions, and the need for regular laboratory monitoring and medical follow-up. Written instructions should be provided whenever possible, and documentation of drugs, dose, and instructions in the medical record is always advisable.
