Upper Extremity Thromboses in Critically Ill Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Zytaruk N, Lamontagne F, McIntyre L, Dodek P, Vlahakis N, Lewis B, Schiff D, Moody A, Ostermann M, Padayachee S, Heels-Ansdell D, Vallance S, Davies A, Cooper JD, Cook DJ
Primary Institution: McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
Hypothesis
What is the incidence and characteristics of upper-extremity thromboses in critically ill patients receiving heparin prophylaxis?
Conclusion
Upper extremity DVT was uncommon in critically ill patients receiving heparin prophylaxis, occurring in 2% of patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 72 out of 3659 patients developed upper extremity thrombosis, which is 2.0%.
- Most thromboses were on the right side and were deep.
- 53.5% of thromboses were catheter-related.
Takeaway
In sick patients getting blood thinner shots, only a small number had blood clots in their arms, but most of those were serious.
Methodology
Patients with upper-extremity venous thromboses were identified through compression ultrasonography or CT, with specific categorization based on thrombosis type and location.
Limitations
No routine screening for upper-extremity thromboses was performed.
Participant Demographics
Critically ill medical-surgical patients enrolled in an international trial.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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