Clinical analysis of preoperative risk factors for the incidence of deep venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion

Analysis of D-dimer levels for the detection of deep venous thrombosis for patients with spinal metastasis undergoing decompression with fixation

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after spinal surgery has recently attracted increasing attention. Patients with spinal metastases who undergo decompression with fixation are at a high risk of developing DVT. D-dimer levels indicate the risk of DVT, and the purpose of our study was to investigate D-dimer levels as a predictor of DVT perioperatively.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 100 patients with spinal metastases. D-dimer tests were performed twice: once before surgery and one day postoperatively. DVT was diagnosed by duplex ultrasonographic assessment of both lower extremities. Pulmonary embolisms (PEs) were diagnosed using multidetector computed tomography and pulmonary angiography. Perioperative serum D-dimer levels were compared between the DVT (+) and DVT (-) groups. The cutoff value of the D-dimer level was calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

Preoperative and postoperative DVT prevalences were 8.0% (8/100) and 6.6% (6/91), respectively, and none of the patients developed PE. Before surgery, there was no significant differences in D-dimer levels between the pre-DVT (+) and pre-DVT (-) groups. After surgery, the D-dimer level one-day postoperatively for the post-DVT (+) group (17.6 ± 11.8 mg/L) was significantly higher than that of the post-DVT (-) group (5.0 ± 4.7 mg/L). The cutoff value of the postoperative D-dimer level was 9.51(mg/L), and the sensitivity and specificity for the optimum threshold were 83.3% and 89.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that preoperative D-dimer level may not be a predictor of DVT. Preoperative ultrasound examinations should be routinely performed in patients with spinal metastases. Postoperative D-dimer levels greater than 9.51(mg/L) are a predictive factor for the early diagnosis of DVT after spine surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Our study was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No.ChiCTR2000029737). Registered 11 February 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

The effect of preoperative use of anticoagulants on the hemostatic effect of intravenous application of tranexamic acid in PLIF: a case control study

Intravenous application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) can effectively reduce blood loss without affecting coagulation function. However, it has not been reported whether preoperative use of anticoagulants may affect the efficacy of TXA in PLIF. The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of preoperative use of anticoagulants on coagulation indicators and blood loss after PLIF receiving intravenous unit dose TXA. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 53 patients with PLIF between 2020.11 and 2022.9, who received intravenous application of a unit dose of TXA (1 g/100 mL) 15 min before the skin incision after general anesthesia. Those who used anticoagulants within one week before surgery were recorded as the observation group, while those who did not use anticoagulants were recorded as the control group. The main observation indicators include surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, blood transfusion, and red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), and hematocrit (HCT) measured on the 1st, 4th, 7th, and last-test postoperative days. Secondary observation indicators included postoperative incision healing, deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs, postoperative hospital stay, and activated partial thrombin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), and platelets (PLT) on the 1st and 4th days after surgery. The operation was successfully completed in both groups, the incision healed well after operation, and no lower limb deep vein thrombosis occurred. There was no significant difference in surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and blood transfusion between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the RBC, HB, and HCT measured on the 1st, 4th, 7th, and last-test postoperative days between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in APTT, PT, TT, FIB and PLT between the two groups on the 1st and 4th postoperative days (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (p > 0.05). The use of anticoagulants within one week before surgery does not affect the hemostatic effect of intravenous unit dose TXA in PLIF.

Under the dual effect of inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis, CTD-ILD patients possess a greater susceptibility to VTE

As an autoimmune disease, the persistent systemic inflammatory response associated with connective tissue disease (CTD) is involved in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, clinical data showed that the risk of VTE in patients differed between subtypes of CTD, suggesting that different subtypes may have independent mechanisms to promote the development of VTE, but the specific mechanism lacks sufficient research at present. The development of pulmonary fibrosis also contributes to the development of VTE, and therefore, patients with CTD-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) may be at higher risk of VTE than patients with CTD alone or patients with ILD alone. In addition, the activation of the coagulation cascade response will drive further progression of the patient's pre-existing pulmonary fibrosis, which will continue to increase the patient's risk of VTE and adversely affect prognosis. Currently, the treatment for CTD-ILD is mainly immunosuppressive and antirheumatic therapy, such as the use of glucocorticoids and janus kinase-inhibitors (JAKis), but, paradoxically, these drugs are also involved in the formation of patients' coagulation tendency, making the clinical treatment of CTD-ILD patients with a higher risk of developing VTE challenging. In this article, we review the potential risk factors and related mechanisms for the development of VTE in CTD-ILD patients to provide a reference for clinical treatment and prevention.

Does the choice of chemoprophylaxis affect the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in lumbar fusion surgery? A systematic review of the literature

Introduction

To date, the available guidance on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in elective lumbar fusion surgery is largely open to surgeon interpretation and preference without any specific suggested chemoprophylactic regimen.

Research question

This study aimed to comparatively analyze the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) with the use of commonly employed chemoprophylactic agents such as unfractionated heparin (UH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in lumbar fusion surgery.

Material and methods

An independent systematic review of four scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science) was performed to identify relevant articles as per the preferred reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies reporting on DVT/PE outcomes of lumbar fusion surgery in adult patients with UH or LMWH chemoprophylaxis were included for analysis. Analysis was performed using the Stata software.

Results

Twelve studies with 8495 patients were included in the analysis. A single-arm meta-analysis of the included studies found a DVT incidence of 14% (95%CI [8%-20%]) and 1% (95%CI [-6% - 8%]) with LMWH and UH respectively. Both the chemoprophylaxis agents prevented PE with a noted incidence of 0% (95%CI [0%-0.1%]) and 0% (95%CI [0%-1%]) with LMWH and UH respectively. The risk of bleeding-related complications with the usage of LMWH and UH was 0% (95% CI [0.0%-0.30%]) and 3% (95% CI [0.3%-5%]) respectively.

Discussion and conclusion

Both LMWH and UH reduces the overall incidence of DVT/PE, but there is a paucity of evidence analyzing the comparative effectiveness of the chemoprophylaxis regimens in lumbar fusion procedures. The heterogeneity in data prevents any conclusions, as there remains an evidence gap. We recommend future high-quality randomized controlled trials to investigate in this regard to help develop recommendations on thromboprophylaxis usage.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism following surgical treatment of fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to determine the risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients treated surgically for fractures using a meta-analytic approach. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library from inception until February 2022. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to calculate the pooled effect estimate using the random-effects model. Sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias tests were also performed. Forty-four studies involving 3 239 291 patients and reporting 11 768 VTE cases were selected for the meta-analysis. We found that elderly (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.38-2.15; P < .001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) ≥ 3 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.46-2.29; P < .001), blood transfusion (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.14-2.92; P = .013), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.22-1.61; P < .001), elevated D-dimer (OR: 4.55; 95% CI: 2.08-9.98; P < .001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.19-1.54; P < .001), hypertension (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.09-1.56; P = .003), immobility (OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 2.23-5.32; P < .001), lung disease (LD) (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.29-4.47; P = .006), obesity (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.27-1.82; P < .001), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.21-3.73; P = .008), prior thromboembolic event (PTE) (OR: 5.17; 95% CI: 3.14-8.50; P < .001), and steroid use (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.73-3.24; P < .001) were associated with an increased risk of VTE. Additionally, regional anaesthesia (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45-0.96; P = .029) was associated with a reduced risk of VTE following surgical treatment of fractures. However, alcohol intake, cancer, current smoking, deep surgical site infection, fusion surgery, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, liver and kidney disease, sex, open fracture, operative time, preoperative anticoagulant use, rheumatoid arthritis, and stroke were not associated with the risk of VTE. Post-surgical risk factors for VTE include elderly, ASA ≥ 3, blood transfusion, CVD, elevated D-dimer, DM, hypertension, immobility, LD, obesity, PAD, PTE, and steroid use.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis in Preoperative State of Spine Surgeries

BACKGROUND

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is considered the most common cause of preventable death among hospitalized patients. A few studies have investigated the risk of venous thromboembolic events in patients undergoing elective spine surgery and reported varying incidences. We aim to assess the incidence of preoperative lower limb DVT in patients with lumbar degenerative disease undergoing elective surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on adult patients with lumbar degenerative spine diseases (lumbar stenosis [LST], lumbar spondylolisthesis [SPL], or lumbar disc herniation) who were scheduled for operative management. Each patient underwent a preoperative lower limb venous Duplex (LLVD). Incidence of DVT, risk factors, and clinical course of patients were reported.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (32 females; 65%) were included. All patients were diagnosed clinically and radiologically with lumbar degenerative diseases; LST (44.9%), SPL (36.7%), and lumbar disc herniation (18.4%), requiring surgical management. Three patients (6.1%) were found to have positive DVT studies, leading to the cancellation or rescheduling of their procedures (P < 0.01). These included 1 patient with LST (P = 0.045) and 2 patients with SPL (P = 0.006). Among patients with LST and SPL, higher disability (modified Rankin scale ≥3) was significantly associated with positive LLVD (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

Patients with LST or SPL with higher preoperative disability scores were at higher risk to have preoperative DVT. Further research is needed to evaluate the feasibility and value of preoperative LLVD to detect DVT in patients planned for lumbar degenerative surgery.

RBC, HB, HCT, CRP, and ESR at different postoperative periods after the application of intravenous unit dose transient acid in PLIF: A case control study

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been used in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and reduces blood loss. However, it has not been reported whether it will continue to affect postoperative red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The purpose of this study was to observed the above indicators at different time after PLIF with unit dose intravenous (iv) TXA.

Methods

The data of 44 patients treated by single-segment PLIF from 2020.11 to 2022.3 were retrospectively analyzed. Observation group was given a unit dose of ivTXA (1 g/100 mL) 15 min before skin incision after general anesthesia. Patients without TXA were recorded as control group. Main observation indicators include RBC, HB, HCT, CRP and ESR on the 1st, 4th, 7th and last tested day after surgery. Secondary observation indicators include postoperative activated partial thrombin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen (FIB); and operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, incision healing, postoperative deep vein thrombosis and postoperative hospital stay.

Results

The operation was successfully completed without related complications. At term of main observation indicators, RBC, HB and HCT remained relatively stable, while CRP and ESR fluctuated to some extent after PLIF. The RBC, HB and HCT in the observation group were higher than those in the control group with statistically significant (p < 0.05). Except the CRP of 7th postoperative day of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05), there was no difference in other CRP and ESR between the two groups (p > 0.05). At term of secondary observation indicators, the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume of the observation group were lower than those of the control group with statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative APTT, PT, TT, FIB, and operation time and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The application of unit dose of ivTXA in PLIF can safely and effectively reduce blood loss. Meanwhile, it can also maintain higher RBC, HB, HCT levels without disturbing CRP and ESR levels after surgery.

Risk Factors for Venous Thrombosis after Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background. Venous thrombosis, comprising DVT and PE, is an orthopedic condition that may be fatal after surgery. This study’s purpose was to analyze risk factors for venous thrombosis following spine surgery to help guide treatment prophylaxis. Methods. A computer searched English databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Academic for relevant publications after spinal surgery. Preoperative walking difficulties, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, preoperative bleeding volume, etc., were all examined using the NOS scale. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software. An analysis was done. Due to the study’s differences, the data was compiled using fixed effects or random effects models. Results. A total of 25 studies were considered, with a total of 1,927,781 individuals after spine surgery, including 7843 patients with venous thrombosis. The included literatures had NOS scores ranging from 5 to 8. According to the findings of the meta-analysis, the age of patients with venous thrombosis after spinal surgery ( $\text{OR}=7.53$ , 95% CI (6.73, 8.33)), blood loss ( $\text{OR}=-141.79$ , 95% CI (-154.68, -128.9), $P=0.00001$ ), and operation time ( $\text{OR}=76.93$ , 95% CI (73.17, 80.86), $P=0.00001$ ) were higher than those without; diabetes mellitus (OR =1.23, 95% CI (1.12, 1.34), $P=0.00001$ ) and walking disability history ( $\text{OR}=2.97$ , 95% CL (1.77, 4.98), $P=0.0001$ ) increased the incidence of postoperative venous thrombosis. Conclusion. High age, female, spinal fusion, big volume blood loss patients, operation time, and hypertension, diabetes, and walking issue are all risk factors for venous thrombosis following surgery.

Intraoperative Thrombolysis of Massive Pulmonary Embolus During Spine Surgery: Case Report of Survival Complicated by Massive Bleeding and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a known risk of lumbar spinal fusion surgery that can lead to sudden and unexpected death. Treatment often involves systemic anticoagulation when the risk of potentially fatal hemodynamic deterioration is judged to outweigh the risk of epidural hematoma and paralysis. Acute massive PE with obstruction of more than 50% of the pulmonary arterial tree causes right heart failure, hypotension, and often rapid death, and may require aggressive medical intervention with thrombolytic agents, such as alteplase, although in the postoperative period this entails an extremely high risk of bleeding and the associated potential neurologic morbidity.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the first case, to our knowledge, of intraoperative thrombolytic therapy during spine surgery in a 68-year-old woman who developed a massive PE with cardiac arrest while undergoing lumbar instrumented fusion surgery in the prone position and detail the postoperative course that was complicated by severe bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience is that chemical thrombolysis can be a lifesaving option to address pending circulatory arrest, but that severe bleeding is a likely consequence. If used to treat an intraoperative emergency, a smaller than standard dose of thrombolytic should be considered.

[Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid sequential rivaroxaban on blood loss in elderly patients during lumbar interbody fusion]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and safety of tranexamic acid sequential rivaroxaban on perioperative blood loss and preventing thrombosis for elderly patients during lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) with a prospective randomized controlled study.

METHODS

Between April and October 2019, the elderly patients with lumbar degenerative diseases requiring LIF were included in the study, among which were 80 patients met the selection criteria. According to the antifibrinolysis and anticoagulation protocols, they were randomly divided into a tranexamic acid sequential rivaroxaban group (trial group) and a simple rivaroxaban group (control group) on average. Finally, 69 patients (35 in the trial group and 34 in the control group) were included for comparison. There was no significant difference in general data ( P>0.05) such as gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, diseased segment, type of disease, and preoperative hemoglobin between the two groups. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage within 3 days after operation, perioperative total blood loss, and proportion of blood transfusion patients were compared between the two groups, as well as postoperative venous thrombosis of lower extremities, pulmonary embolism, and bleeding-related complications.

RESULTS

The operations of the two groups completed successfully, and there was no significant difference in the operation time ( P>0.05); the intraoperative blood loss, drainage within 3 days after operation, and perioperative total blood loss in the trial group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The proportion of blood transfusion patients in the trial group was 25.71% (9/35), which was significantly lower than that in the control group [52.94% (18/34)] ( χ 2=5.368, P=0.021). Postoperative incision bleeding occurred in 4 cases of the trial group and 3 cases of the control group, and there was no significant difference in bleeding-related complications between the two groups ( P=1.000). There was 1 case of venous thrombosis of the lower extremities in each group after operation, and there was no significant difference in the incidence between the two groups ( P=1.000). Besides, no pulmonary embolism occurred in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative use of tranexamic acid sequential rivaroxaban in elderly LIF patients can effectively reduce the amount of blood loss and the proportion of blood transfusion patients without increasing the risk of postoperative thrombosis.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism following spinal surgery: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

METHODS

Literature published in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was systematically reviewed to assess risk factors for VTE following spinal surgery. The data analysis was conducted with STATA 12.0. Data were pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects models according to the heterogeneity among the included studies.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies involving 3,216,187 patients were included in this meta-analysis, and the total incidence of VTE after spinal surgery was 0.35% (0.15-29.38%). The pooled analysis suggested that the incidence of VTE after spinal surgery was higher in such aspects as increasing age (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.55 years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.78, P < .001), female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.25; P = .034), diabetes (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.29-1.44; P < .001), chronic kidney disease (OR = 8.31, 95% CI 1.98-34.93; P = .004), nonambulatory preoperative activity status (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.75-4.83; P < .001), D-dimer level (WMD 1.023, 95% CI 0.162-1.884; P = .02), long duration of operation (WMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.21-1.24; P = .006), spine fusion (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.31-1.82; P < .001), and blood transfusion (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.73-3.07; P < .001), and the differences were statistically significant. However, there were no significant differences in body mass index, obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, spondylolisthesis, intraoperative blood loss, surgical procedures (anterior lumbar interbody fusion vs posterior intervertebral fusion /translaminar lumbar interbody fusion), or surgical site (lumbar vs thoracic) (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Based on our meta-analysis, we identified several important factors that increased the risk of VTE after spinal surgery. We hope our study provides assistance to spine surgeons so that they can adequately analyze and assess risk factors in patients and then develop preventive measures to reduce the incidence of VTE.

Prevalence and Predictors for Preoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Thoracolumbar Fractures Caused by High-Energy Injuries

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to identify the predictors for preoperative DVT in patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries.

METHODS

A total of 429 patients with thoracolumbar fractures caused by high-energy injuries from October 2016 to November 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The patients underwent ultrasonography before operation and were divided into the DVT group and non-DVT group. Demographic data and laboratory results were collected, and mechanical and chemical prophylaxis were performed to prevent DVT. The incidence of DVT was evaluated and the predictors of preoperative DVT were identified.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of preoperative DVT was 14.45% (62/429). Of all patients, 1 (0.23%) had proximal DVT and 61 (14.22%) had distal DVT. The incidence of preoperative DVT was 24.59% in patients with thoracic fractures and 11.04% in those with lumbar fractures. Multivariate logistic regression identified 3 predictors, including lower extremity motor (P < 0.001), time from injury to operation (P < 0.001), and D-dimer (P = 0.001). Lower extremity motor score <3, time from injury to operation >3 days, and D-dimer >1.81 mg/L showed satisfied accuracy for predicting preoperative DVT. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated the diagnostic value of D-dimer was the highest when the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve curve was 0.769.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite mechanical and chemical prophylaxis, the incidence of preoperative DVT is still very high, especially in thoracic fractures. Lower extremity motor score <3, time from injury to operation >3 days, and D-dimer >1.81 mg/L are predictors for preoperative DVT. More attention is warranted to prevent preoperative DVT when ≥2 predictors are present.

Thromboprophylaxis in elective spinal surgery: A protocol for systematic review

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious, sometimes life-threatening complication that can occur following spine surgery. The incidence of VTE, and the optimal type and timing of thromboprophylaxis for this complication in elective spine surgery is a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review with the aim of clarifying the efficacy and adverse effects of mechanical and chemical prophylaxis for preventing thromboembolic complications in elective spine surgery for conditions other than trauma and malignant disease.

METHODS/DESIGN

A search strategy of related articles up to March 2018 was designed and executed in Medline and Embase.

PATIENTS

adolescents (>10 years) and adults undergoing elective surgery for spinal deformity or degenerative disease (from C1 to S1).

INTERVENTION

Perioperative mechanical and chemical thromboprophylaxis. Studies could be randomized controlled trials or observational studies that reported data on any relevant clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 2451 uniquecitations were identified and 35 studies were ultimately included in the systematic review. The overall mean incidence of complications was 3.7% for deep venous thrombosis, 0.0% for pulmonary embolism, and 3.7% for bleeding in chemoprophylaxis group; 2.9% for deep venous thrombosis, 0.4% for pulmonary embolism and 0.0% for bleeding in mechanoprophylaxis; and 0.7% for deep venous thrombosis, 0.1% for pulmonary embolism and 0.2% for bleeding in mixed prophylaxis group with no specific data on these rates for the type of patient and type and location of surgery. None of the articles retrieved provided information on the adolescent population.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The poor design and high variability among the studies regarding characteristics of study population, details of interventions, and definitions of outcomes, determines a low quality of the available evidence and limits the interpretation of the results. We were unable to identify a clear advantage of one type of thromboprophylaxis over the other, although there was an increased risk of bleeding with chemoprophylaxis, which could favor the use of mechanoprophylaxis in this scenario.

Perioperative outcomes associated with thoracolumbar 3-column osteotomies for adult spinal deformity patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Spinal deformity causing spinal imbalance is directly correlated to pain and disability. Prior studies suggest adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have more complex deformities and are at higher risk for complications. In this study the authors compared outcomes of ASD patients with RA following thoracolumbar 3-column osteotomies to outcomes of a matched control cohort.

METHODS

All patients with RA who underwent 3-column osteotomy for thoracolumbar deformity correction performed by the senior author from 2006 to 2016 were identified retrospectively. A cohort of patients without RA who underwent 3-column osteotomies for deformity correction was matched based on multiple clinical factors. Data regarding demographics and surgical approach, along with endpoints including perioperative outcomes, reoperations, and incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) were reviewed. Univariate analyses were used to compare patients with RA to matched controls.

RESULTS

Eighteen ASD patients with RA were identified, and a matched cohort of 217 patients was generated. With regard to patients with RA, 11.1% were male and the mean age was 68.1 years. Vertebral column resection (VCR) was performed in 22.2% and pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) in 77.8% of patients. Mean case length was 324.4 minutes and estimated blood loss (EBL) was 2053.6 ml. Complications were observed in 38.9% of patients with RA and 29.0% of patients without RA (p = 0.380), with a trend toward increased medical complications (38.9% vs 21.2%, p = 0.084). Patients with RA had a significantly higher incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE) (11.1% vs 1.8%, p = 0.017) and wound infections (16.7% vs 5.1%, p = 0.046). PJK occurred in 16.7% of patients with RA, and 33.3% of RA patients underwent reoperation. Incidence rates of PJK and reoperation in matched controls were 12.9% and 25.3%, respectively (p = 0.373, p = 0.458). At follow-up, mean sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was 6.1 cm in patients with RA and 4.5 cm in matched controls (p = 0.206).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study suggest that RA patients experience a higher incidence of medical complications, specifically DVT/PE. Preoperative lower-extremity ultrasounds, inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement, and/or early initiation of DVT prophylaxis in RA patients may be indicated. Perioperative complications, morbidity, and long-term outcomes are otherwise similar to non-RA patients.

Venous Thromboembolism After Degenerative Spine Surgery: A Nationwide Readmissions Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an appreciable burden on health care. The protracted recumbency experienced by many spinal patients juxtaposed with concerns for postoperative hemorrhage from early anticoagulation results in conflicting stances regarding chemoprophylaxis. Identifying risk factors associated with VTE is therefore instrumental in guiding management.

OBJECTIVE

To identify VTE risk factors in patients undergoing degenerative spine surgery.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was searched for adults undergoing spine surgery for degenerative diseases between 2010 and 2014. The 30-day and 90-day VTE incidence was estimated from readmissions with new VTE diagnoses. A multivariate survey-adjusted logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with VTE diagnoses on readmission.

RESULTS

Of 838,507 degenerative spine cases queried, 3499 patients (0.42%) were readmitted with a VTE diagnosis within 30 days and 4321 patients (0.62%) were readmitted within 90 days. In multivariate analysis, steroids were independently associated with a higher likelihood of readmission with VTE at both 30 days (odds ratio, 1.58; P < 0.001) and 90 days (odds ratio, 1.97; P < 0.001). Significant associations were also identified with thoracolumbar surgery, length of stay, and discharge to institutional care.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of readmission with VTE diagnoses in spine surgery is low. However, their devastating consequences underscore the need to identify those patients deemed high risk. These patients include those having thoracolumbar surgery, of advanced age, with prolonged length of stay, using corticosteroids, and with a disposition to institutional care (e.g., skilled nursing facility or long-term acute care). Given the association between steroids and VTE, clinicians should be judicious about perioperative administration despite their obvious antiinflammatory benefits.

Risk Factors for Lower Limb Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Single-Level Lumbar Fusion: A Prospective Study of 710 Cases

Lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is not an uncommon postoperative complication of spinal fusion surgery. However, the related risk factors identified in previous studies remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for lower limb DVT in patients with single-level lumbar fusion surgery. Between January 2010 and December 2016, a total of 710 patients undergoing lumbar fusion were recruited for this study, including 172 males and 538 females (aged 18-75 years). Deep vein thrombosis was detected by ultrasonography. Accordingly, patients were divided into the DVT group and the non-DVT group and compared in terms of operative data, underlying diseases, and biochemical data. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for lower limb DVT. The incidence of lower limb DVT was 11.8% (84 of 710 cases). Five patients were symptomatic, with lower limb pain and swelling. Two patients developed pulmonary embolism and 1 died. Binary logistic regression indicated that advanced age (P = .001, odds ratio [OR] = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.85-5.12), hypertension (P = .006, OR = 4.10, 95% CI: 1.09-2.30), and increased d-dimer (P < .001, OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 2.05-6.36) were risk factors for postoperative DVT. In conclusion, for patients with single-level lumbar fusion, advanced age, increased d-dimer, and hypertension may contribute to DVT development after spinal fusion surgery. Therefore, patients with these risk factors should be protected during the perioperative period.

Deep venous thrombosis in elderly patients as a surgical emergency at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs frequently among surgical, as well as acutely ill hospitalized medical patients, and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Risk factors include older age, surgery and immobilization (as with bed rest, orthopedic casts, and sitting on long flights.

Objective

This study was conducted to identify the frequency and factors associated with occurrence of DVT among elderly patients referred to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

The current study is a hospital based cross sectional study. The emergency, inpatients and outpatients' departments at KAU hospital were reviewed. We studied all the referred elderly subjects during the study period. All elderly patients (540) referred to or admitted to the hospital departments and who were clinically suspected to have DVT and subjected to Doppler examination were included in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square test.

Results

Based on the results of Doppler examination, DVT was detected in 97 (18.0%) of the studied elderly population. There were no significant differences in gender between patients who developed DVT and those who were negative by Doppler examination (p=0.018). Other comorbidities as diabetes, IHD and hypertension were significantly associated with the occurrence of DVT among the participants (p=0.05, 0.05 and 0.04 respectively). Furthermore, the other investigated factors such as being bed ridden, cancer, orthopedic cast and previous DVT were not significantly associated with the development of DVT among the studied elderly patients (p=0.42, 0.16, 0.45 and 0.75 respectively).

Conclusion

DVT has high prevalence in Jeddah; KSA. Thrombophilia screening should be regular for elderly patients with diabetes, hypertension and bed-ridden patients with recurrent DVT or patients with other risk factors. Knowing the most common risk factors and their significance in developing DVT is essential for early detection of DVT to prevent unwanted complications for elderlies.

Perioperative medical management for patients with RA, SPA, and SLE undergoing total hip and total knee replacement: a narrative review

Total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are widely used, successful procedures for symptomatic end stage arthritis of the hips or knees, but patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and spondyloarthritis (SPA) including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PSA) are at higher risk for adverse events after surgery. Utilization rates of THA and TKA remain high for patients with RA, and rates of arthroplasty have increased for patients with SLE and SPA. However, complications such as infection are increased for patients with SLE, RA, and SPA, most of whom are receiving potent immunosuppressant medications and glucocorticoids at the time of surgery. Patients with SLE and AS are also at increased risk for perioperative cardiac and venous thromboembolism (VTE), while RA patients do not have an increase in perioperative cardiac or VTE risk, despite an overall increase in VTE and cardiac disease. This narrative review will discuss the areas of heightened risk for patients with RA, SLE, and SPA, and the perioperative management strategies currently used to minimize the risks.

Deep Venous Thrombosis among hypertensive patients in King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a frequent cardiovascular disorder. It is among the main causes of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients and, at the same time, can be easily avoided. Studies clarified that there are a variety of factors which can be significantly associated with the development of DVT in hospitalized patients.

Objective

to identify frequency and factors associated with occurrence of DVT among hypertensive patients referred to KAU hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted from October 2016 to March, 2017. All hypertensive patients referred to or admitted to the hospital departments and who were suspected to have DVT and subjected to Doppler examination were included in the study. A questionnaire was designed to obtain data about DVT frequency among participants and factors associated with the development of DVT among them. Data was collected through face to face interviews of patients included in the study.

Results

DVT was detected in 13.5 % of the studied hypertensive patients. Increased age and gender had no significant association with the development of DVT among the studied patients. In addition, other studied factors and comorbidities had no significant role in DVT development among the study participants.

Conclusion

Knowing the most common risk factors and their significance in developing DVT is essential for early detection of DVT to prevent it, especially for hypertensive patients. Awareness campaigns should be held more often in different neighborhoods of the city.

Effects of release and decompression techniques on nerve roots through percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy on patients with central lumbar disc herniation

The clinical effects and safety of release and decompression techniques on nerve roots through percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) while treating patients with central lumbar disc herniation (CLDH) were explored. Patient cases of lumbar and leg pain treated in Bethune International Peace Hospital from July 2013 to October 2015 were collected retrospectively. The patients in these cases received imaging examinations such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Among these cases, 37 CLDH patients with no other complications were selected for this study. A total of 22 males and 15 females aged 28–54 years, with an average age of 36.8±1.5 years, were the subjects of the study. Their disease course was from 1 month to 3 years, with a median course time of 1.5 years. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring and the MacNab method were used to evaluate treatment effects. After permission from patients or their family members, release and decompression techniques of nerve roots were performed through PTED. All patients had successful surgery. Their average surgery time was 41.3 (25.5–57.1) min. A physician followed-up each patient from 0 to 18 months after surgery, with the average follow-up period of 12.1 months. VAS scoring of lower limbs was 7.95±0.82 before surgery and 2.28±0.35, 3 months after surgery. VAS scoring of lower limbs was 2.06±0.58, 1 year after surgery and 2.12±0.23 at the last follow-up appointment. JOA scoring was 12.6±0.72 before surgery and 20.4±1.08, 3 months after surgery. JOA scoring was 21.1±0.82 1 year after surgery and 21.2±0.36 at the last follow-up. Differences are of statistical significance (P<0.05). There were no complications for any of the cases. One patient did not improve after surgery, so a laminectomy and bone grafting internal fixation were performed. Two patients relapsed after surgery and received laminectomy and bone grafting internal fixation. The total percentage of excellent and good rates was 83.5%. In conclusion, release and decompression techniques on nerve roots using PTED while treating CLDH resulted in a safe, effective and less traumatic outcome with fewer complications and quicker pain relief than alternative treatments. Due to the results of this study, the use of these techniques in treating CLDH should be more widely considered.