Venous Thromboembolism Risk and Outcomes Following Decompressive Craniectomy in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database

Objective Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk of VTE after decompressive craniectomy (DC) and its effects on the outcomes are unknown. We assessed the incidence of VTE, associated risk factors, and effects on the outcomes. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample database, the hospitalizations of patients aged ≥18 years with a severe TBI diagnosis from 2004 to 2014 were extracted. The outcome was discharge status without mortality. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were used. Results Of the 349,165 TBI hospitalizations, 23,813 (6.82%) had undergone DC and 14,175 (4.06%) had developed VTE. The VTE incidence was higher after DC compared with no DC (6.14% vs. 3.91%; P < 0.0001). DC (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; P < 0.005) was an independent predictor for the development of VTE. Age (OR, 1.26; P < 0.005), chronic lung disease (OR, 1.58; P < 0.05), electrolyte imbalance (OR, 1.43; P < 0.05), liver disease (OR, 0.10; P < 0.05), urinary tract infection (OR, 1.56; P < 0.05), pneumonia (OR, 2.03; P < 0.0001), and sepsis (OR, 1.57; P < 0.05) were significantly associated with the development of VTE. Obesity (OR, 2.09; P > 0.05) and spine injury (OR, 2.03; P > 0.05) showed a trend toward significance. VTE was associated with worse discharge outcomes (OR, 1.40; P < 0.05), longer lengths of stay (OR, 1.01; P < 0.00001), and higher costs (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our study showed an independent association between DC and an increased risk of VTE for patients with severe TBI. The development of VTE after DC increased the proportion of poor outcomes, prolonged the length of stay, and increased the hospitalization costs. Older patients with obesity, an electrolyte imbalance, chronic lung disease, spine injury, and infections were at a greater risk of VTE after DC. These risk factors could help in considering VTE prophylaxis for these patients.