Low Vitamin D Level Is Associated with Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain Sci, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11070849 · Published: June 25, 2021

Cardiovascular Science Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study explores the relationship between vitamin D levels and acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. In this population, 62% (117/190) of patients had low vitamin D levels upon admission to acute rehabilitation. Fisher’s exact tests revealed signiﬁcant differences between individuals with low and normal vitamin D levels (p = 0.025).

Study Duration

December 2016 and December 2018

Participants

190 individuals with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
A vitamin D level below 30 ng/mL was associated with increased probability of the occurrence of acute DVT in individuals with moderate–severe TBI.
2
Individuals with insufﬁcient and deﬁcient vitamin D levels were signiﬁcantly younger than individuals with WNL levels (F = 4.2, p = 0.015).
3
There was also a signiﬁcant relationship between vitamin D level and length of stay in acute inpatient rehabilitation...individuals with vitamin D deﬁciency compared to that of individuals with WNL vitamin D (F = 4.1 p = 0.018).

Research Summary

This study attempts to identify an association between acute DVT and vitamin D levels in TBI patients. When presented with the data, there is a statistically signiﬁcant difference in the occurrence of acute DVT in patients with low vitamin D levels versus those with normal vitamin D levels. Within this population, it was found that those patients with low vitamin D levels on admission were more likely to have acute DVT than those with normal vitamin D levels. This retrospective cohort study supports the hypothesis that low vitamin D levels on admission to acute rehab are associated with acute DVT in TBI patients.

Practical Implications

Importance of Vitamin D Monitoring

Routine screening for vitamin D levels in TBI patients upon admission to acute rehabilitation is important.

Potential Therapeutic Target

Vitamin D supplementation may be a potential therapeutic target to reduce the risk of DVT in TBI patients.

Nutritional Support

Maintaining proper nutrition through diet and supplementation is vital to achieving favorable outcomes after TBI.

Study Limitations

1
Unable to determine if vitamin D supplementation was started before or after admission.
2
Many other comorbidities also contribute to the development of DVT in hospitalized patients.
3
Timing and duration of prophylaxis could not be accurately determined.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Cardiovascular Science