Help! Why don't more paraplegics get DVTs?

[SxRx]

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Does anyone know?
I was asked this during my clerkship and was asked to find out why.
There are always articles and literature as to why a type of patient tend to "get" certain conditions or diseases. However, there aren't many that tells you why some people tend to "not" have certain conditions. I guess there isn't much of a reason to write about it since you are not getting ill....

 

[Phillyborn]

If the cause of an individual's paraplegia is in the spinal cord, then you're dealing with upper motor neurons and thus will have spasticity (which will keep some level of venous flow stimulated).

Interestingly, the way I learned it was that paraplegics are more likely than tetraplegics to have a DVT. The reason being that with paraplegics you have possible LMN issues (and thus flaccid paralysis). If you're talking about spinal cord injuries and tetraplegics, then you are dealing with straight upper motor neurons (and you will be spastic after the initial spinal shock wears off).

Anyone feel free to correct me on this...

 

[SxRx]

If the cause of an individual's paraplegia is in the spinal cord, then you're dealing with upper motor neurons and thus will have spasticity (which will keep some level of venous flow stimulated).

Interestingly, the way I learned it was that paraplegics are more likely than tetraplegics to have a DVT. The reason being that with paraplegics you have possible LMN issues (and thus flaccid paralysis). If you're talking about spinal cord injuries and tetraplegics, then you are dealing with straight upper motor neurons (and you will be spastic after the initial spinal shock wears off).

Anyone feel free to correct me on this...

Thanks a LOT!
I now have something to say tomorrow and it's a reasonable answer. I appreciate it!

 

[RUOkie]

Does anyone know?
I was asked this during my clerkship and was asked to find out why.
There are always articles and literature as to why a type of patient tend to "get" certain conditions or diseases. However, there aren't many that tells you why some people tend to "not" have certain conditions. I guess there isn't much of a reason to write about it since you are not getting ill....

The real reason is that all people with SCI are treated with LMWH or a Factor XI inhibitor for 6-12 weeks after injury. Then again anytime they are ill. Prophylaxis works.

 

[Llenroc]

What do you mean they don't get DVTs? I've seen plenty with DVTs.

 

[LTS6776]

Agree with Llenroc. They get lots of DVTs in the acute period following their injury and should always (barring few contraindications) get prophylaxis with an anticoagulant. Less likely once spasticity sets in, but should still get prophylaxis anytime they are hospitalized.