Citation

Satahoo SS, Parikh PP, Naranjo D, Davis JS, Duncan RC, Pizano LR, Namias N, Schulman CI. J. Burn Care Res. 2014; 36(1): 100-104.

Affiliation

DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida; and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, American Burn Association, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/BCR.0000000000000093

PMID

25084492

Abstract

There continues to be debate about the routine use of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in burn patients. The concern is routine prophylaxis may lead to adverse events. The debate hinges on the incidence of DVT and its relation to the risk-benefit ratio. This study seeks to estimate the true rate of DVT in burn patients, and to evaluate possible risk factors to its development. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for all patients with age ≥18 years with ICD-9 codes for burn injuries. Demographic data, comorbidities, burn data, length of stay, total charges, procedures, presence of central venous catheter, and mortality were recorded. Patients were classified based on the presence of DVT. Student's t-test, χ test, and logistic regression were performed. 36,638 burn patients were identified. DVT rate was 0.8%. Patients with DVT were older, had longer hospitalizations, more procedures, and higher charges. On logistic regression, black race, TBSA ≥20%, history of previous VTE, blood transfusion, and mechanical ventilation were the significant factors associated with DVT. Patients with DVT were almost twice as likely to die during the admission (P =.011). This is the largest series to date examining the risk factors for DVT in burn patients. DVT developed in approximately 0.8% of burn patients. Black race, TBSA ≥20%, blood transfusions, and mechanical ventilation were associated with approximately 2-fold odds of developing DVT. Identification of these additional risk factors may allow targeted patient prophylaxis. Additionally, patients with DVT incurred higher total charges and longer hospitalization.

Language: en