Comparison of pharmacologic prophylaxis and mechanical prophylaxis on prevention of deep vein thrombosis in spinal cord injury patients

Deep vein thrombosis is one of the most important complications in patients with spinal cord injury. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of mechanical prophylaxis with or without pharmacological prophylaxis on prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients with spinal cord injury.

We conduct a double blind clinical trial study with 75 cases. These patients were divided in to three groups which matched by age and sex. In first group, compressive stocking with prophylactic dose of Enoxaparin (40mg daily) was implemented. For second group compressive stocking with prophylactic dose Heparin (5000 u bid SC) was the therapeutic strategy and for the third group only compressive stocking was applied. Collected data was analyzed by statistical methods.

The incidence rate of deep vein thrombosis in hospitalization period for the first group: %12, second group: % 4 and third group was %4. No statistical significant differences was detected between the results of these groups. (p=0.424)

Based on the results of our study, rate of deep vein thrombosis incidence is lower than the other studies. We didnt see any preferences between pharmacologic prophylaxis and mechanical methods on deep vein thrombosis preventive effects.