Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients with spinal cord injury: A single-center Turkish study

Abstract

Objective Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs due to trauma or non-traumatic conditions may be associated with comorbidities related to cardiovascular system and higher risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aimed to identify risk factors for VTE in patients with SCI. Material and Methods The study included 326 patients diagnosed as SCI that were admitted to the inpatient tertiary research hospital rehabilitation clinic and enrolled in a conventional rehabilitation program. The data were collected retrospectively. Risk factors for developing VTE were identified. Results There were no significant differences in age, comorbidities or SCI etiology between the patients with and without VTE. The groups differed significantly in gender, level of injury and duration of SCI. Risk factor for VTE were only level of injury. Conclusions The present findings show that paraplegic injury level may be considered risk factor for developing VTE in SCI patients. It should be considered when approaching the possibility of VTE in SCI patients.

Keywords

• spinal kord yaralanması
• venöz tromboembolizm
• derin venöz tromboembolizm
• pulmoner embolizm
• spinal cord injury
• venous thromboembolism
• deep venous thromboembolism
• pulmonary embolism