Timing of Initiation of Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Optimal timing of initiation of pharmacologic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following intracerebral hemorrhage is controversial. This study aims to assess the association between the timing of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis initiation and the risk of VTE and hemorrhagic complications. METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study completed at 7 community hospitals. This study included patients with nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage admitted from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. A total of 111 patients were assessed and categorized based on the administration of early (≤48 h) versus delayed (>48 h) initiation of VTE prophylaxis. RESULTS: Findings showed no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of the incidence of VTE with early versus delayed initiation of VTE prophylaxis (5% vs. 8%, P =0.713). Secondary outcomes included incidence of deep vein thrombosis (5% vs. 8%, P =0.713), pulmonary embolism (0% vs. 0%), hematoma enlargement (16% vs. 15%, P =0.623), median intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (3 vs. 3.5 d, P =0.670), hospital length of stay (7 vs. 8 d, P =0.724), inpatient all-cause mortality (8% vs. 7%, P =1.000), and discharge disposition. CONCLUSION: Early pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis (≤48 h from ICH onset) was not found to be statistically significant in lowering the incidence of VTE. This occurred with no statistically significant differences in hematoma enlargement, increased inpatient mortality, or increased length of ICU/hospital stay. Additional adequately powered studies are needed to determine if early pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is associated with a lower incidence of VTE.