Key result
Routine thromboprophylaxis with mechanical methods, pharmacologic agents, or both is the standard of care for preventing venous thromboembolism in critically ill patients.
This review summarizes current guidelines and pharmacological properties of agents used for VTE prophylaxis and treatment in critically ill patients, emphasizing individualized risk assessment.
Affirms VTE prophylaxis as ICU standard; supports individualized assessment but leaves optimal regimens open for trials.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients and is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. The use of thromboprophylaxis to reduce the risk of VTE in this patient population is the standard of care. This review will summarize the recommendations set forth in consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of VTE across subgroups within the critically ill patient population. In addition, the drug properties of the recommended pharmacologic agents for thromboprophylaxis will be highlighted including their pharmacokinetics, dosing and complications. The critical care practitioner may also encounter novel oral anticoagulants with increasing frequency. These agents will be briefly reviewed in terms of their approved and investigational indications and the clinical concerns related to their use will also be discussed.
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Adriance et al. (2013) conducted a review in Venous thromboembolism in critically ill patients. Thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulation was evaluated. Routine thromboprophylaxis with mechanical methods, pharmacologic agents, or both is the standard of care for preventing venous thromboembolism in critically ill patients.
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