Abstract
The objective of this study was to use trauma registry data to describe the number and characteristics of patients 21 years or younger receiving thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin at 2 pediatric and 2 adult level 1 trauma centers. Among 706 patients, the average age was 18.5 years, and 94.6% were hospitalized at adult centers. The most common injuries were lower extremity fractures (35.6%) and head injuries (20.4%). Major bleeding was reported in 3 patients (0.4%), and thrombotic events were reported in 15 patients (2.1%). Despite a lack of scientific evidence, low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis is being used in young trauma patients (primarily those 14 years or older). Prospective multicenter studies are needed to accurately describe the risks and benefits of low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis in young trauma patients, thereby identifying those who truly benefit from this intervention.