THE RELATIONSHIP OF D-DIMER LEVELS WITH RISK FOR DEVELOPING DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS AND/OR PULMONARY THROMBOEMBOLISM AFTER ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SURGERY

Authors

  • MA Naeem
  • M Usman
  • MK Latif
  • M Aamir

Abstract

Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are commoncomplications in trauma patients. Fibrin-related markers (FRMs), such as fibrin and fibrinogendegradation products (FDPs), D-dimer, and soluble fibrin (SF), are considered to be useful for thediagnosis of thrombosis (DVT). Objective: We report on 3-month follow-up of fibrinolytic activityafter Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery (OTS). Methods: Patients who entered the study were dividedinto (group 1) patients who did not develop DVT/PE after OTS while patients who developedDVT/PE were included in (group 2). Blood samples were obtained on day of surgery andpostoperative days 1, 7 and 30, and assayed for blood counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Ddimers. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. Results: Postoperative levels of Ddimers of both groups increased on day 1, and remained elevated on day 30. Postoperative levels ofD-dimers on day 1, 7 and 30 were higher in group 2 (p<0.05). There were no differences inperioperative levels of CRP between groups, and they correlated with D-dimers both preoperativelyand on day 30. Taken together, these data suggest that orthopaedic trauma surgery induced anactivation of coagulation and fibrinolysis. This situation lasts at least as late as 30 days after surgery.Conclusion: The D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients developing DVT/PE post OTS.Keywords: D-dimer, DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism

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Published

2009-06-01