Thromboembolic risk after lumbar spine surgery: a cohort study on 325 000 French patients

Nomogram to Assess the Risk of Deep Venous Thrombosis After Posterior Lumbar Fusion: A Retrospective Study

Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.ObjectivesDeep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication following lumbar spine surgery, which can lead to adverse consequences such as venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. This study aimed to investigate whether predictors of DVT can improve clinical interventions.MethodsThe study included patients who underwent posterior lumbar fusion between 2012 and 2022. In the training cohort, stepwise logistic regression, based on the Akaike information criterion minimum, was used to identify variables for constructing the nomogram. The nomogram was evaluated and validated using calibration curves, Brier scores, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, C-index, decision curve analyses (DCAs), clinical impact curves (CICs), and risk stratification analyses.ResultsA total of 9216 patients were enrolled after screening. The nomogram included seven variables: cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, body mass index, age, pedicular screw quantity, D-dimer, and hypertension. Calibration plots demonstrated favorable agreement between predicted and observed probabilities. The C-index indicated satisfactory discriminatory ability of the nomogram (0.772 for the training cohort and 0.792 for the validation cohort). Additionally, the DCA and CIC revealed that the nomogram could provide clinical benefits for patients.ConclusionsThis study successfully developed and validated a nomogram that can assess the risk of DVT following posterior lumbar fusion. The nomogram will assist surgeons in making informed clinical decisions.

Staged Versus Same-Day Circumferential Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Disease: Which is the Safer Approach?

Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.ObjectivesTo evaluate utilization trends and outcomes of same-day vs staged circumferential lumbar fusion (cLF) in lumbar degenerative disease.MethodsThe PearlDiver national database was queried for patients with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent same-day or staged cLF, defined as anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by posterior fusion within 1 to 14 days after. Annual utilization trends (2010-2021) were analyzed. Multivariate regression adjusted for age, gender, comorbidity index, obesity, smoking, and multi-level PSF was used to evaluate 30-day complications, readmissions, and revision rates at 1 and 2 years.ResultsOf 45,204 patients undergoing cLF, 40,052 (88.60%) underwent same-day cLF, and 5152 (11.40%) underwent staged procedures. Patients who underwent staged procedures had higher comorbidity rates and longer fusion constructs. Annual utilization of staged cLF increased on average by 3.76% from 2010. Staged procedures had higher risks of 30-day readmissions (aOR: 1.14), infection (aOR: 1.38), DVT (aOR: 2.62), epidural hematoma (aOR: 1.73), seroma (aOR:1.77), AKI (aOR: 1.34), cardiac arrest (aOR: 2.45), blood loss anemia (aOR: 1.56), urinary retention (aOR: 1.50), UTI (aOR: 1.36), ileus (aOR: 1.64), durotomy (aOR: 4.67), mechanical complications (aOR: 3.39), and blood transfusions (aOR: 2.57) (all P < 0.05). No significant differences in revision rates were found.ConclusionStaged cLF, utilized in 11.40% of cases, particularly for longer fusions and patients with higher comorbidity risk, is associated with higher risks of hospital readmissions and complications, but is not an independent risk factor. Further research is needed to identify patients who may benefit most from staging.

Concomitant medication, comorbidity and survival in patients with breast cancer

Between 30% and 70% of patients with breast cancer have pre-existing chronic conditions, and more than half are on long-term non-cancer medication at the time of diagnosis. Preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that some non-cancer medications may affect breast cancer risk, recurrence, and survival. In this nationwide cohort study, we assessed the association between medication use at breast cancer diagnosis and survival. We included 235,368 French women with newly diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer. In analyzes of 288 medications, we identified eight medications positively associated with either overall survival or disease-free survival: rabeprazole, alverine, atenolol, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, estriol (vaginal or transmucosal), nomegestrol, and hypromellose; and eight medications negatively associated with overall survival or disease-free survival: ferrous fumarate, prednisolone, carbimazole, pristinamycin, oxazepam, alprazolam, hydroxyzine, and mianserin. Full results are available online from an interactive platform ( https://adrenaline.curie.fr ). This resource provides hypotheses for drugs that may naturally influence breast cancer evolution.

Nomogram for predicting venous thromboembolism after spinal surgery

PURPOSE

This study aimed to establish a nomogram to predict the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), identifying potential risk factors, and providing theoretical basis for prevention of VTE after spinal surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2754 patients who underwent spinal surgery. The general characteristics of the training group were initially screened using univariate logistic analysis, and the LASSO method was used for optimal prediction. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for postoperative VTE in the training group, and a nomogram for predict risk of VTE was established. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the nomogram were separately evaluated using the C-index, receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plot and clinical decision curve, and was validated using data from the validation group finally.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 10 independent risk factors for VTE after spinal surgery. A nomogram was established based on these independent risk factors. The C-index for the training and validation groups indicating high accuracy and stability of the model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve indicating excellent discrimination ability; the calibration curves showed outstanding calibration for both the training and validation groups. Decision curve analysis showed the clinical net benefit of using the nomogram could be maximized in the probability threshold range of 0.01-1.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing spinal surgery with elevated D-dimer levels, prolonger surgical, and cervical surgery have higher risk of VTE. The nomogram can provide a theoretical basis for clinicians to prevent VTE.

Construction and verification of a nomogram predicting the risk of preoperative deep vein thrombosis progression after elective spine surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to construct and verify a useful nomogram that predicts the risk of preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) progression after elective spine surgery.

METHODS

Data of patients were collected from 366 patients with preoperative DVT who underwent elective spine surgery at our hospital between July 2017 and May 2022. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method combined with multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied to select features for the preoperative DVT progression risk model. The model's capability was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The decision curve and bootstrapping were used to analyze the clinical value of the nomogram.

RESULT

A total of 366 DVT patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperative DVT progression after elective spine surgery was 24.04% (88 cases). Among these patients, 86 patients had thrombosis extending into a proximal vein or appearing in a different branch of the vein, either ipsilateral or contralateral, and two had a symptomatic pulmonary embolism. D-dimer, lower extremity varicosities, hyperlipidemia, lower limb paralysis, and operation time were among the predictors in the nomogram. Furthermore, the C-index of the prediction nomogram was 0.805 (95％ CI: 0.754-0.856), with an interval bootstrapping validation of 0.786 and an area under the ROC curve value of 0.800. According to the calibration curves and decision curve analysis, the nomogram could accurately predict the probability of preoperative DVT progression after elective spine surgery.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of the nomogram included the unique discrimination capability, clinical utility, and predictive accuracy, which was beneficial for clinicians to distinguish high-risk groups of DVT progression after elective spine surgery and formulate relevant prevention measures.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Postoperative Venous Thromboembolic Events in Patients Undergoing Cervical Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective database study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate preoperative risk factors and incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) after cervical spine surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

VTEs are preventable complications that may occur after spinal procedures. Globally, VTEs account for a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Preoperative risks factors associated with increased VTE incidence after cervical spine surgery have not been well-characterized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); posterior cervical fusion (PCF); discectomy; and decompression from 2007 to 2017 were identified using the PearlDiver Database. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Ninth and 10th Revision codes were used to identify VTEs at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperative as well as preoperative risk factors.

RESULTS

Risk factors with the highest incidence of VTE at 3 months were primary coagulation disorder [ACDF=7.82%, odds ratio (OR)=3.96; decompression=11.24%, OR=3.03], central venous line (ACDF=5.68%, OR=2.11; PCF=12.58%, OR=2.27; decompression=10.17%, OR=2.80) and extremity paralysis (ACDF=6.59%, OR=2.73; PCF=18.80%, OR=2.99; decompression=11.86, OR=3.74). VTE incidence at 3 months for populations with these risks was significant for all surgery types (P<0.001) with the exception of patients with primary coagulation disorder who underwent PCF. Tobacco use had the lowest VTE incidence for all surgery types.

CONCLUSIONS

The total cumulative incidence of VTEs at 3-month follow-up was 3.10%, with the highest incidence of VTEs occurring within the first postoperative week (0.65% at 1 wk, 0.61% at 1 mo, 0.53% at 3 mo for ACDF; 2.56% at 1 wk, 1.93% at 1 mo, 1.45% at 3 mo for PCF; 1.37% at 1 wk, 0.93% at 1 mo, 0.91% at 3 mo for decompression). Several preoperative risk factors were found to be significant predictors for postoperative VTEs and can be used to suggest those at increased risk as well as decrease the incidence of preventable VTEs after cervical spine surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Elective Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Review.

OBJECTIVE

Venothromboembolic (VTE) complications, composed of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are commonly observed in the perioperative setting. There are approximately 500 000 postoperative VTE cases annually in the United States and orthopedic procedures contribute significantly to this incidence. Data on the use of VTE prophylaxis in elective spinal surgery is sparse. This review aims to provide an updated consensus within the literature defining the risk factors, diagnosis, and the safety profile of routine use of pharmacological prophylaxis for VTE in elective spine surgery patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature and compilation of findings relating to current identified risk factors for VTE, diagnostic methods, and prophylactic intervention and safety in elective spine surgery.

RESULTS

VTE prophylaxis use is still widely contested in elective spine surgery patients. The outlined benefits of mechanical prophylaxis compared with chemical prophylaxis varies among practitioners.

CONCLUSION

The benefits of any form of VTE prophylaxis continues to remain a controversial topic in the elective spine surgery setting. A specific set of guidelines for implementing prophylaxis is yet to be determined. As more risk factors for thromboembolic events are identified, the complexity surrounding intervention selection increases. The benefits of prophylaxis must also continue to be balanced against the increased risk of bleeding events and neurologic injury.

Prevalence of Risk Factors for Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism in Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Spine Surgery Patients

Background

Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolisms (HA-VTE) are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in spine surgery patients. The purpose of this study was to review HA-VTE rates at our institution and evaluate the prevalence of known risk factors in patients who developed HA-VTE among both neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgeries.

Methods

Retrospective chart reviews were conducted of all spine surgery patients from January 1, 2013, to July 31, 2017, to evaluate rates of HA-VTE and prevalence of known HA-VTE risk factors among these patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for categorical variables and independent Student t test for continuous variables were utilized with significance set at P < .05.

Results

The overall HA-VTE rate was 0.94% (0.61% orthopedic, 1.87% neurosurgery). Patients with VTEs had higher rates of thoracic procedure (P = .002), posterior approach (P = .001), diagnosis of fracture (P = .013) or flatback syndrome (P = .028), neurosurgery division (P < .001), and diagnosis-related group (DRG) of noncervical malignancy (P = .001). Patients with VTEs had lower rates of cervical procedure (P < .001), diagnosis of herniated nucleus pulposus (P = .006) and degenerative disc disease (P = .001), and DRG of cervical spine fusion (P < .001). In the patients who sustained VTE, the neurosurgical patients had higher rates of active cancer (22.86% vs 0%, P = .004) and age >60 (80% vs 50%, P < .001), and orthopedic patients had higher estimated blood loss (EBL) (2436 ml vs 1176 mL, P = .006) and rates of anterior-posterior surgery (22.58% vs 0%, P = .003). Neurosurgery department, diagnosis of fracture, and DRG of noncervical malignancy were found to be significant independent risks for developing HA-VTE. Cervical procedures were independently associated with significantly lower risk. Postoperative anticoagulation initiated sooner in neurosurgery patients (postoperative day 1.26 vs 3.19, P < .001).

Conclusions

The overall HA-VTE rate at our institution was 0.94% (0.61% orthopedic, 1.87% neurosurgery). In patients who sustained VTE, neurosurgical patients had higher rates of active cancer and age >60 years, and orthopedic patients had higher EBL and rates of anterior-posterior surgery. This highlights the different patient populations between the 2 departments and the need for individualized thromboprophylaxis regimens.

Level of Evidence

4.

Burden of fractures in France: incidence and severity by age, gender, and site in 2016

PURPOSE

Fractures are common events, but the exact incidence and severity of fractures have not been clearly determined for most anatomical sites. We estimated the incidence and severity of fractures in France regardless of the anatomical site.

METHODS

Observational cross-sectional study in France in 2016 based on the national health data system. All incident fractures in patients 20 years and older were included. We determined the anatomical fracture site (12 sites) and the severity using a 4-point scale (outpatient care, hospitalization, surgery, and in-hospital death).

RESULTS

We identified 562,094 incident fractures, predominantly occurring in women (319,858: 56.9%); with a mean age of 63.6 years, and an exponential increase after the age of 70 years. Distal upper limb (172,591: 30.7%), distal lower limb (84,602: 15.1%), and femoral neck (78,766: 14.0%) accounted for more than one-half of all fractures. Sex and age of onset distributions varied widely according to fracture sites, with earlier onset for distal lower limb fractures (mean age: 54.2 years) and distal upper limb fractures (mean age: 55.2 years) with a men predominance for skull fractures. Only 105,165 (18.7%) fractures were treated on an outpatient basis; 11,913 (2.1%) in-hospital deaths occurred in patients with a mean age of 79.5 years. High mortality was observed for skull (12.9%), rib (4.9%), and femoral fractures (femoral neck 4.3% and proximal lower limb 4.2%).

CONCLUSION

We estimated the incidence of fractures in France by sex and anatomical site. We also showed that fractures remain common and serious life events, especially in older people.

The True Effect of a Lumbar Dural Tear on Complications and Cost

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to match risk factors for complications in patients who did and did not sustain a dural tear while undergoing posterior lumbar spine surgery and compare local and systemic complications.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Current data do not adequately define whether the event of sustaining an isolated dural tear increases the risk for postoperative complications while controlling for other confounding risk factors.

METHODS

The PearlDiver Database was queried for patients who underwent posterior lumbar spine decompression and/or fusion for degenerative pathology. Patients with and without dural tears were 1:2 matched based on demographic variables and comorbidities. Complications, cost, length of stay (LOS), and readmission rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 1:2 matched cohort included 9038 patients with a dural tear and 17,340 patients without a dural tear. All complications assessed were significantly higher in the dural tear group (P < 0.03). Venothromboembolic (VTE) events occurred in 1.3% of patients with a dural tear and 0.9% of patients without a dural tear (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, P < 0.0001). Meningitis occurred in 25 patients (0.3%) with a dural tear and eight patients (<0.1%) without a dural tear (OR 6.0, P < 0.0001). Patients with a dural tear had 120% higher medical costs, 200% greater LOS, and were two times more likely to be readmitted (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Sustaining a dural tear while undergoing posterior lumbar spinal decompression and/or fusion for degenerative pathology significantly increased the risk of complications and increased length of stay, risk of readmission, and overall 90-day hospital cost. Dural tears specifically increased the risk of a VTE complication by 1.46 times and meningitis by six times; these are important complications to have a high degree of suspicion for in the setting of durotomy, as they can lead to significant morbidity for the patient.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Thromboembolic prophylaxis in orthopaedics: update on the current S3 guideline, effective 2015]

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolism is one of the most significant complications in many orthopaedic treatments and illnesses. Therefore, prevention is of vital importance.

CURRENT STATUS

The existing S3 guideline, revised in 2015, investigates the various symptoms and treatments in great detail, and thus provides very good recommendations. The difficulties of thrombosis prophylaxis in orthopaedics were ever-present in 2018, which is shown by the large number of publications on the topic. These new findings can be incorporated into further versions of the guideline, thereby adapting them to the current status. Finally, the fact that is especially important for everyday practice should be mentioned, that is, in particular when patients are transferred or discharged, information about the necessary prophylaxis is communicated to the colleagues who will be carrying out further treatment to guarantee uninterrupted prophylaxis.