Early prophylaxis lowers VTE risk after brain trauma

Editor's Note

Starting blood thinners within 72 hours of hospital arrival significantly lowers the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in traumatic brain injury patients and does not increase risk of intracranial hemorrhage, this study finds.

A total of 2,468 patients were divided into two groups: early prophylaxis (started within 72 hours of arrival at hospital) or late prophylaxis (started after 72 hours).

Early prophylaxis was associated with significantly lower rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The odds of both PE and DVT were 50% lower in the early prophylaxis group compared with the late prophylaxis group. There also was no difference in rates of late neurosurgical interventions or in-hospital death between the two groups.