DVT in burn patients

Q: Due to high risk of coagulopathy, need for frequent wound excisions, and ineffectiveness of subcutaneous (SQ) route secondary to fluid shifts - chemical deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis should be deferred in the first week of treatment in patients with severe burn? (select one) 

A) True 
B) False 


Answer: B

Despite all challenges like a high risk of coagulopathy, need for frequent wound excisions, and possible ineffectiveness of SQ administration of chemical DVT prophylaxis secondary to fluid shifts, burn patients should not be treated differently from other ICU patients. 

The risk of DVT is higher in patients with more than 20 percent of total body surface area (TBSA) burn. 

#burn
#DVT



Reference:

Faucher LD, Conlon KM. Practice guidelines for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in burns. J Burn Care Res 2007; 28:661.