Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Uninjured Lower Extremity: A Retrospective Study of 1454 Patients With Lower Extremity Fractures

Prediction model of deep vein thrombosis risk after lower extremity orthopedic surgery

Purpose

This investigation was conceived to engineer and appraise a pioneering clinical nomogram, crafted to bridge the extant chasm in literature regarding the postoperative risk stratification for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the aftermath of lower extremity orthopedic procedures. This novel tool offers a sophisticated and discerning algorithm for risk prediction, heretofore unmet by existing methodologies.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, clinical records of hospitalized patients who underwent lower extremity orthopedic surgery were collected at the Wuxi TCM Hospital Affiliated to the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine between Jan 2017 and Oct 2019. The univariate and multivariate analysis with the backward stepwise method was applied to select features for the predictive nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated with respect to its discriminant capability, calibration ability, and clinical utility.

Result

A total of 5773 in-hospital patients were eligible for the study, with the incidence of deep vein thrombosis being approximately 1 % in this population. Among 31 variables included, 5 of them were identified to be the predictive features in the nomogram, including age, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), D-dimer, platelet distribution width (PDW), and thrombin time (TT). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the training and validation cohort was 85.9 % (95%CI: 79.96 %-90.04 %) and 85.7 % (95%CI: 78.96 %-90.69 %), respectively. Both the calibration curves and decision curve analysis demonstrated the overall satisfactory performance of the model.

Conclusion

Our groundbreaking nomogram is distinguished by its unparalleled accuracy in discriminative and calibrating functions, complemented by its tangible clinical applicability. This innovative instrument is set to empower clinicians with a robust framework for the accurate forecasting of postoperative DVT, thus facilitating the crafting of bespoke and prompt therapeutic strategies, aligning with the rigorous standards upheld by the most esteemed biomedical journals.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism following surgical treatment of fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to determine the risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients treated surgically for fractures using a meta-analytic approach. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library from inception until February 2022. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to calculate the pooled effect estimate using the random-effects model. Sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias tests were also performed. Forty-four studies involving 3 239 291 patients and reporting 11 768 VTE cases were selected for the meta-analysis. We found that elderly (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.38-2.15; P < .001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) ≥ 3 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.46-2.29; P < .001), blood transfusion (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.14-2.92; P = .013), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.22-1.61; P < .001), elevated D-dimer (OR: 4.55; 95% CI: 2.08-9.98; P < .001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.19-1.54; P < .001), hypertension (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.09-1.56; P = .003), immobility (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 2.23-5.32; P < .001), lung disease (LD) (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.29-4.47; P = .006), obesity (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.27-1.82; P < .001), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.21-3.73; P = .008), prior thromboembolic event (PTE) (OR: 5.17; 95% CI: 3.14-8.50; P < .001), and steroid use (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.73-3.24; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of VTE. Additionally, regional anaesthesia (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45-0.96; P = .029) was associated with a reduced risk of VTE following surgical treatment of fractures. However, alcohol intake, cancer, current smoking, deep surgical site infection, fusion surgery, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, liver and kidney disease, sex, open fracture, operative time, preoperative anticoagulant use, rheumatoid arthritis, and stroke were not associated with the risk of VTE. Post-surgical risk factors for VTE include elderly, ASA ≥ 3, blood transfusion, CVD, elevated D-dimer, DM, hypertension, immobility, LD, obesity, PAD, PTE, and steroid use.

LINC00659 exacerbates endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction in deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities by activating DNMT3A-mediated FGF1 promoter methylation

It has been shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00659 was markedly upregulated in the peripheral blood of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the function of LINC00659 in lower extremity DVT (LEDVT) remains to be largely unrevealed. A total of 30 inferior vena cava (IVC) tissue samples and peripheral blood (60 ml per subject) were obtained from LEDVT patients (n = 15) and healthy donors (n = 15), and then LINC00659 expression was detected by RT-qPCR. The results displayed that LINC00659 is upregulated in IVC tissues and isolated endothelial group cells (EPCs) of patients with LEDVT. LINC00659 knock-down promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis ability of EPCs, while an pcDNA-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3), a EIF4A3 overexpression vector, or fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) combined with LINC00659 siRNA could not enhance this effect. Mechanistically, LINC00659 bound with EIF4A3 promoter to upregulated EIF4A3 expression. Besides, EIF4A3 could facilitate FGF1 methylation and its downregulated expression by recruiting DNA methyltransferases 3A (DNMT3A) to the FGF1 promoter region. Additionally, LINC00659 inhibition could alleviate LEDVT in mice. In summary, the data indicated the roles of LINC00659 in the pathogenesis of LEDVT, and the LINC00659/EIF4A3/FGF1 axis could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of LEDVT.

A nomogram for individualized prediction of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in stroke patients: A retrospective study

To develop and validate a nomogram for individualized prediction of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients based on extremity function and daily living ability of stroke patients. In this study, 423 stroke patients admitted to the Rehabilitation Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from December 2015 to February 2019 were taken as the subjects, who were divided into the DVT group (110) and No-DVT group (313) based on the existence of DVT. Inter-group comparison of baseline data was performed by 1-way Analysis of Variance, Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, or Pearson chi-square test. Data dimensions and predictive variables were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO); the prediction model was developed and the nomogram was prepared by binary logistics regression analysis; the performance of the nomogram was identified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Harrell's concordance index, and calibration curve; and the clinical effectiveness of the model was analyzed by clinical decision curve analysis. Age, Brunnstrom stage (lower extremity), and D-dimer were determined to be the independent predictors affecting DVT. The independent predictors mentioned above were developed and presented as a nomogram, with AUC and concordance index of 0.724 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.670-0.777), indicating the satisfactory discrimination ability of the nomogram. The P value of the results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was 0.732, indicating good fitting of the prediction model. Decision curve analysis showed that the clinical net benefit of this model was 6% to 50%. We developed a nomogram to predict lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in stroke patients, and the results showed that the nomogram had satisfactory prediction performance and clinical efficacy.

Characteristics of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Isolated Lower Extremity Fractures and Unsolved Problems in Guidelines: A Review of Recent Literature

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been characterized by a disorder of venous return caused by abnormal blood clotting in deep veins. It often occurs in the lower limbs and is a common complication in orthopaedics. Therefore, relevant professional organizations domestic and overseas had formulated and constantly updated relevant guidelines to prevent the occurrence of DVT. According to the management strategy of the guidelines, the incidence of DVT can be significantly reduced. However, due to the variety of fractures types, the guidelines cannot expound precautions and characteristics of DVT for all fracture types at present, and there are other related unresolved problems. For example, there is still a lack of consistent optimal strategies for the management of DVT following isolated lower extremity fractures with a higher incidence. The best anticoagulant strategies for patients with upper limb fractures, pediatric fractures, and those combined with other injuries are rarely described in orthopaedic guidelines, but such fractures are common in clinical orthopaedics. The long‐term complications after DVT, such as post‐thrombotic syndrome, are not well‐understood. In the absence of clear guidance, orthopaedic surgeons often resort to empiric anticoagulation or conservative treatment, so the prevention effects of DVT are inconsistent. The purpose of this review is to summarize the characteristics of DVT events after isolated lower extremity fractures and to discuss the unsolved issues in the guidelines by reviewing the previous literature and tracing the history of DVT discovery, to provide more scientific and comprehensive recommendations for the prediction and prevention of DVT.

Characteristics and Treatment Strategy of Isolated Calf Deep Venous Thrombosis after Fractures: A Review of Recent Literature

Isolated calf deep venous thrombosis (ICDVT) includes thrombosis located at the far end of the popliteal vein, such as the anterior tibial vein, posterior tibial vein, fibular vein, and intramuscular vein of the soleus and gastrocnemius. This type of thrombosis has the highest incidence, accounting for approximately half of all deep vein thrombosis (DVT) cases; however, there is no consistent recommendation for ICDVT treatment across countries, and there is also no optimal management strategy. In recent years, increasing evidence has shown that ICDVT can develop into proximal DVT, even causing pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, some experts suggest anticoagulant therapy for this type of DVT, while others hold an opposing attitude. Therefore, the treatment strategy for this type of DVT has become a hot and difficult research topic. The purpose of this review is to summarize the characteristics of ICDVT and the effects of different treatment strategies by analyzing recent and important classical works in the literature in an attempt to provide recommendations for the treatment of this most common type of DVT in orthopaedic clinics.

Trauma-induced pulmonary thromboembolism: What's update?

Trauma-induced pulmonary thromboembolism is the second leading cause of death in severe trauma patients. Primary fibrinolytic hyperactivity combined with hemorrhage and consequential hypercoagulability in severe trauma patients create a huge challenge for clinicians. It is crucial to ensure a safe anticoagulant therapy for trauma patients, but a series of clinical issues need to be answered first, for example, what are the risk factors for traumatic venous thromboembolism? How to assess and determine the status of coagulation dysfunction of patients? When is the optimal timing to initiate pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism? What types of prophylactic agents should be used? How to manage the anticoagulation-related hemorrhage and to determine the optimal timing of restarting chemoprophylaxis? The present review attempts to answer the above questions.

Correlation Between the Fracture Line Plane and Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Tibial Fracture

Objective

To explore the correlation between the fracture line inferior plane and perioperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with tibial fractures.

Methods

Data was collected from the medical records of 536 consecutive patients with tibial fractures at Xi’an Honghui Hospital. The patients were divided into distal, shaft, and proximal segment groups according to the fracture line inferior plane on radiographs. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the role of the inferior plane of the fracture line in perioperative DVT.

Results

A total of 431 patients were included in the study and 226 patients had perioperative DVT in the lower extremities, including 11 proximal and 215 distal DVTs. Univariate regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the proximal segment and perioperative DVT; however, no correlation was found in the shaft segment group. Additionally, age, coronary heart disease, associated injuries, and time to operation ≥6 days were risk factors for perioperative DVT. However, fixation with intramedullary nails may be a protective factor for perioperative DVT compared with plates. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the proximal segment group had an increased incidence of perioperative DVT compared to the distal segment group.

Conclusions

The proximal segment may be correlated with an increased incidence of perioperative DVT by 7.30-fold in patients with tibial fractures compared to that in the distal segment. In clinical practice, surgeons should be vigilant for DVT formation in these patients.

The Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Lower Extremities in Patients With Pelvic Fracture: A Case-Control Study

This study was to investigate the incidences of DVT in lower extremities after pelvic fracture before and after operation, and explore the risk factors. The records of patients with pelvic fractures receiving operation were collected. The patients were examined by preoperative and postoperative ultrasonography, and divided into thrombosis group and non-thrombosis group according to the preoperative and postoperative ultrasonographic results. Totally, 128 patients with pelvic fractures were included in this study. The incidence of DVT was 21.09% preoperatively, and increased to 35.16% postoperatively. Peripheral DVT constituted 92.60% and 86.67% of preoperative and postoperative DVTs, respectively. The results showed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.12; P = 0.013), fracture classification (OR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.31-11.00; P = 0.014) and D-dimer at admission (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00-1.08; P = 0.029) were independent risk factors of preoperative DVT, and female (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06-0.81; P = 0.023) was independent protective factor. In addition, age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.11; P = 0.026), operative blood transfusion (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05-1.72; P = 0.020) were independent risk factors of postoperative DVT. In conclusion, the DVT prevention strategy has not changed the high incidence of DVT in pelvic fractures, and orthopedic surgeons should pay more attention to perioperative DVT. When a male or patient with Tile-C type pelvic fracture is at admission, it is should be reminded that the screening the DVT in lower extremities. In addition, the surgeon should stanch bleeding completely, to reduce the blood transfusion and formation of DVT.

Prevalence and risk factors of preoperative deep venous thrombosis in closed patella fracture: a prospective cohort study

Background

The preoperative prevalence of deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) of patella fracture is not well established. The study aimed to investigate the preoperative prevalence, the associated risk factors, and the locations of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with closed patella fracture.

Methods

Patients who sustained closed patella fracture between January 1, 2016, and April 1, 2019, were included. Blood analyses and ultrasonography of bilateral lower extremities were routinely performed. Data of demographics, comorbidities, mechanism of injury, fracture type, total hospital stay, time from injury to DVT, and laboratory indexes were prospectively collected and compared between groups with and with non-DVT. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors of DVT.

Results

Among the study cohort of 790 patients, 35 cases occurred in preoperative DVTs, indicating a prevalence of 4.4%, with 3.2% distal and 1.2% proximal DVT. Age ≥ 65 years old (OR, 3.0, 95% CI, 1.1–8.1), D-dimer > 0.5 mg/L (OR, 2.3, 95% CI, 1.1–4.8), and albumin < 35 g/L (OR, 2.5, 95% CI, 1.2–5.3) were identified to be risk factors of DVT in closed patella fracture. Among the DVTs, 30 cases (85.7%) occurred in the injured extremity, 3 cases (8.6%) in bilateral extremities, and 2 cases (5.7%) solely in the uninjured extremity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of preoperative DVT in closed patella fracture was 4.4%, with 3.2% for distal and 1.2% for proximal DVT. We recommend individualized risk stratification and early anticoagulation for patients with risk factors (age ≥ 65 years, D-dimer > 0.5 mg/L and albumin < 35g/L).

Homocysteine is potential serological marker for predicting the risk of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities in patients received operation of lower limb fracture

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate the correlations among serum homocysteine (Hcy), D-dimer, and the risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities in patients who underwent operation for lower limb fracture.

Methods

Seventy-five cases who underwent operation for lower limb fracture were included and further divided into DVT group (n = 26) and control group (n = 49) based on post-DVT diagnostic criteria. The serum Hcy and D-dimer were examined 48 h after operation. The serum Hcy and D-dimer levels were compared between the two groups. The correlation between serum Hcy and D-dimer was investigated by the Pearson correlation test. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum Hcy and D-dimer as serological markers for DVT.

Results

The serum Hcy concentrations were 11.96 ± 3.98 μmol/L and 7.92 ± 3.27 μmol/L for DVT and control groups, respectively, with statistical difference (t = 4.72, P < 0.01). The serum D-dimer in the DVT group was significantly higher than that of the control group (8.99 ± 4.50 vs 1.70 ± 2.11) μg/mL with statistical difference (t = 9.56, P < 0.01). Line regression analysis indicated that serum Hcy was positively correlated with serum D-dimer concentration and can be demonstrated by the equation of Y = 0.6651*X + 1.036 for the DVT group. Using serum Hcy as the biomarker for predicting DVT, the prediction sensitivity and specificity were 76.92 and 71.44%, respectively, with the AUC of 0.7804 under the cut-point of 9.54 μmol/L. For serum D-dimer, the prediction sensitivity and specificity were 96.15 and 73.47%, respectively, with the area under the ROC (AUC) of 0.9455 under the cut-point of 1.66 μg/mL.

Conclusion

Serum Hcy was significantly elevated in DTV patients, and hence, it can be applied as a serological marker for DVT prediction in patients who underwent operation for lower limb fracture. However, the DVT prediction performance of serum Hcy was inferior to D-dimer especially for diagnostic sensitivity.