# Clinical characteristics analysis of stroke patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

## TL;DR

This study identifies risk factors for deep venous thrombosis in stroke patients and suggests early interventions to prevent it.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into DVT risk factors in stroke patients and emphasizes early therapeutic strategies.

## Key findings

- Stroke patients aged ≥65 years and with prolonged bed rest are at higher risk for DVT.
- Comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension increase DVT risk in stroke patients.
- Early rehabilitation and anticoagulation are effective in reducing DVT incidence.

## Abstract

To analyze the clinical characteristics of stroke patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of DVT in stroke patients.

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical records of 5,980 patients diagnosed with stroke and admitted to Beijing Tian’tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January and December 2023. Based on the presence or absence of DVT, patients were categorized into two groups: a control group (without DVT, n = 5,862) and a DVT group (with DVT, n = 118). Propensity score matching was conducted at a 1:1 ratio, yielding 118 matched cases in each group. Comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics of the matched cohorts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent risk factors associated with the development of lower extremity DVT in stroke patients. Additionally, the functional status, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes of patients with stroke complicated by lower extremity DVT were systematically assessed.

The incidence of lower extremity DVT was significantly higher in stroke patients aged ≥65 years, those with bed rest duration ≥3 days, a history of smoking, absence of anticoagulant therapy, muscle strength < grade 3, and without rehabilitation therapy (p < 0.05). Additionally, comorbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia (Hcy), elevated D-dimer, hypertriglyceridemia, and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were also significantly associated with a higher incidence of lower extremity DVT (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified all of these variables as independent risk factors for the development of lower extremity DVT in stroke patients (p < 0.05).

Vigilance for DVT is warranted in this high-risk population. Implementation of early, systematic therapeutic interventions (rehabilitation and appropriate anticoagulation therapy) following stroke is recommended to mitigate the incidence of lower extremity DVT.