DVT Prophylaxis Guidelines

Learning objectives

Link to RCP Stroke Guidelines 2016

• Patients with immobility after acute stroke should be offered IPC within 3 days of admission to hospital for the prevention of DVT thrombosis. Treatment should be continuous for 30 days or until the patient is mobile or discharged, whichever is sooner.
• Patients with immobility after acute stroke should not be routinely given LMWH or graduated compression stockings (either full-length or below-knee) for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis.
• Patients with ischaemic stroke and symptomatic DVT or PE should receive anticoagulant treatment provided there are no contraindications.
• Patients with ICH and symptomatic DVT or pulmonary embolism should receive treatment with a vena caval filter.