Minor Leg Injuries Increase Thrombosis Risk
Van Stralen KJ, Rosendall FR, Doggen CJ, et al. Minor injuries as a risk factor for venous thrombosis. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168:21-26.
Research findings indicate that minor leg injuries, such as sprains and bruises, may significantly increase one's risk of developing venous thrombosis.
The findings of the Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment study were reported in the January 14 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. The purpose of this study was to carefully evaluate different causes of venous thromboembolism.
Over a 5 year period, data from 2,471 patients presenting with a first case of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis in the leg and pulmonary embolism, were examined. Data included reports from the patients themselves, their primary care providers (PCPs), and hospital records. The data specifically pointed towards minor leg injuries with 11.7% of the patients reporting to have had minor leg injuries within 3 months of their episode of venous thromboembolism.
PCPs must take note of these findings, since patients most often go to them with minor injuries, rather than a hospital. The provider must be able to differentiate who is at risk for venous thrombosis, and provide prophylactic actions as appropriate.