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

Vitamin D and its association with venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been studied in common rehabilitation populations, such as spinal cord injury and ischemic stroke groups. This study explores the relationship between vitamin D levels and acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. This is a retrospective cohort study that analyzes the relationship between vitamin D levels and the prevalence of DVT during acute inpatient rehabilitation. In this population, 62% (117/190) of patients had low vitamin D levels upon admission to acute rehabilitation. Furthermore, 21% (24/117) of patients in the low vitamin D group had acute DVT during admission to acute rehabilitation. In contrast, only 8% (6/73) of patients in the normal vitamin D group had acute DVT during admission to acute rehabilitation. Fisher's exact tests revealed significant differences between individuals with low and normal vitamin D levels (p = 0.025). In conclusion, 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.