[Deep venous thrombosis and severe burns]

Abstract

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a frequent and potentially serious complication in severely burned patients. We report the case of a burned patient (40% of total body surface burned), who had right femoral deep venous thrombosis and severe pulmonary embolism, although a prophylaxis was conducted with low molecular weight heparin, graduated compression stockings and rotating bed. This case shows that DVT early diagnosis and prophylaxis is difficult in severely burned patients. Systematic screening of DVT by duplex scan is possible only for femoral veins, which renders duplex scan more suitable for femoral catheter follow up than for systematic DVT screening. Computed tomography venography seems to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of proximal thrombosis. Prophylaxis is best achieved with the use of preventive low molecular weight heparins, graduated compression stockings, and early mobilisation when possible. However, the place of low molecular weight heparins at high doses and external pneumatic calf compression needs to be evaluated by prospective studies.