Multidisciplinary Bundle Approach in Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients with Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract

Background A venous thromboembolism (VTE) bundle was launched in 2016 at the University of Illinois Hospital aiming to reduce the rate of VTE in the neurosurgical ICU. Main elements of the bundle included correct and early use of intermittent pneumatic compression and subcutaneous heparin. Methods Patients with SAH were retrospectively identified from 2014 until 2018. VTE events were diagnosed using twice weekly lower-extremity venous Duplex ultrasound and chest computerized tomography when appropriate. Results A total of 133 patients was included in each group. The incidence of VTE was not significantly different before and after the bundle (15% vs. 12%, p = 0.47). No difference was found regarding new episode of intracranial hemorrhage secondary to SQH (1.5% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.65). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that longer ICU LOS, higher Caprini score, and presence of baseline lung diseases were associated with VTE development. Conclusions With a median Caprini score of 9, our patient population was found to be at high risk for developing VTE. The implementation of the VTE bundle did not significantly reduce the rate of VTE in patients with non-traumatic SAH at UIH.