Resident
Bessette, Hayley, BSc, PharmD
Residency Program
LMPS
Project Title
Characterization of Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Prescribing in Critically Ill Patients with Traumatic Brain Injuries
Investigators
Jiang, Jessie, B.Sc., PharmD; Salehi, Mina, MD, M.Sc.; Garraway, Naisan, CD, MD, FRCSC, FACS
Abstract
Critically ill patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Studies have shown that early initiation of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis (VTEp) is associated with decreased risk of VTE events without causing progression of intracranial hemorrhages (ICH). Best practice guidelines recommend starting VTEp within 72 hours of admission in patients with low re-bleed risk who demonstrate stable ICH on repeat CT head scan. We conducted a retrospective chart review at Vancouver General Hospital to characterize the prescribing patterns of VTEp for critically ill patients with TBI, focusing on time to initiation of VTEp and reasons for delaying initiation.
