Upper Extremity DVT (UEDVT) is far less common than Lower Extremity DVT, and posses a diagnostic challenge. We can use the Constant score in combination with D-Dimer.
Category: Haem/Onc
VTE prophylaxis in lower limb Immobilisation (ED – 2023)
In the Emergency Department (ED) lower leg immobilisation after injury is a necessary treatment but is also a known risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This accounts for approximately 2% of all VTE cases which are potentially preventable with early pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.
Lower Limb DVT
Signs and Symps
No single feature is diagnostic:
- Single limb oedema – Most specific
- Leg pain – 50% but is nonspecific
- Calf pain on dorsiflexion of the foot (Homan’s sign)
- Tenderness of deep veins – 75% of patients
- Warmth AND/OR erythema (although blanching is possible)
- A palpable, indurated, cordlike, tender subcutaneous venous segment
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Massive Transfusion Pathway
In the case of patient with Massive Haemorrhage weather that be from Trauma, Surgical, O&G, UGIB, you can activate the MTP
Remember:
- Do the Basics – don’t forget ABCD
- Inform Transfusion and get someone to run a G&S sample down
- FFP can take up to 45min and platelets come from Leeds
- If you no longer need the MTP – inform transfusion and return products ASAP
High INR
Patients sometimes present to ED or are send to ED due to over anticoagulation with warfarin
1. Is there Major/Significant bleeding?
Yes
- Resuscitate (ABCD)
- Give 5mg Vitamin K IV
- Octaplex Guide
- Treat bleeding and admit to appropriate speciality
COVID-19 Vaccine Induced Thrombosis/Thrombocytopenia (VITT)
Inclusion Criteria [Both of]:
- Received AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID 19 vaccination within 42 days (typically 5-42 days from immunisation)
- New Onset thrombocytopenia (PLTs <150×109/L) – with or without Thrombosis
- 5% of cases have had a “Normal” Platelet count at presentation
- High index of suspicion repeat bloods next day
- ‘High index of suspicion’ in this context is day 5- 28 post AZ vaccine with new onset headache or abdominal pain which is atypical and severe in nature.
- 5% of cases have had a “Normal” Platelet count at presentation
Initial Investigations:
- FBC– specifically to confirm thrombocytopenia <150x 109/L
- Coagulation screen and D Dimers
- Blood film to confirm true thrombocytopenia and identify alternative causes
PROBABLE CASE: (ALL 3 criteria)
- Received AZ COVID 19 vaccination within 42 days
- New Onset thrombocytopenia (PLTs <150×109/L)
- D Dimers > 2000 mcg/L
URGENT Scan to confirm the suspected clot.
[If patient doesn’t fit “PROBABLE CASE” proceed to usual treatment]
Condition specific advice:
Central clot:
- inc. Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST), Pulmonary Embolis (PE), Splenic, Proximal DVT
- Discuss with Haematologist
- Admit Medicine
Suspected DVT (scan unavailable):
- Treat with Rivaroxaban (Do Not use Tinzaparin/LMWH)
- Request Ultrasound
- Return AAU Next Day
- Safety-net Advice
Confirmed Distal DVT (Not above inguinal ligament)
- Platelets <100×109/L – Discus with Haematology
- Platelets ≥100×109/L – Treat as normal
Thrombocytopenia only
- Platelets <100×109/L – Discus with Haematology
- Platelets ≥100×109/L – Treat as normal
Treatment (will be directed by Haematology & Specialist teams):
Avoid:
- Heparin Based anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets
- Platelet Transfusion
May Require:
- IV immunoglobulin
- Steroid
- Anticoagulation with: DOAC, Fondaparinux, Argatroban
Further reading
Octaplex – work fast its an EMERGENCY!
- Activate EARLY in head injury patients on warfarin.
- Order on EPR & Paper [see below]
- Infuse over no more than 30 min
- Recheck INR at 30 min after finished infusion
Indications
- EMERGENCY reversal of Warfain
- Factor II or X deficiency
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Methaemoglobinaemia
Q: Why are Smurf’s Blue?
A: Methaemoglobin (MetHb) of course!
– MetHb is produced by oxidisation of the Iron in Haemoglobin (Hb) from Fe2+ to Fe3+
– Fe3+ prevents Hb carrying oxygen (thus produces symptoms of hypoxia)
– Often due to chemical ingestion, but may also be genetic
– Treated with Methyl Blue & supportive measures
Consenting for Blood Transfusion
We frequently consent for Blood Transfusion, but what risks do we tell the patients about and how common are those risks?
Primary Intracerebral Haemorrhage
In anybody who there is suspicion of a non-traumatic haemorrhage arrange an urgent CT Head.
All patients need IV access and U&E, FBC, Coag
If CT confirms PICH (not traumatic, not SAH): –
Anticoagulation
If anticoagulated with warfarin or NOAC discuss with stroke consultant and Haematologist regarding reversal
If not anticoagulated give Tranexamic acid – 1g in 100mls Saline/Glucose over 10 mins followed by 1g in 250mls Saline over 6 hours.
Blood Pressure
BP needs to be <150/80 – use labetalol (max 400mg – until BP <160 or HR <50) and GTN infusion
Neurosurgical Referral
Not all patients with intracerebral bleeds need referral to neurosurgery – you could save yourself and your patient a lot of time and effort!
Those to refer:
- GCS 9-12/15 with lobar haemorrhage
- Isolated intraventricual haemorrhage
- Hydrocephalus on presentation
- Rapid deterioration following arrival (gcs drop by 2 points or more in the motor component)
- Cerebellar bleed