Patients' preferences for the site of injection of low-dose subcutaneous heparin in prophylaxis of thromboembolism. Regional acuphobia.
The efficacy of low-dose subcutaneous heparin in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is now well established. The most common complication of heparin administration is haematoma formation, especially at the site of injection. A number of patients were noted to have injection site haematoma in the deltoid region: after close inquiry it was found that these patients had refused injections in the anterior abdominal wall in the belief that these would be more painful than the upper arm. A study was set up to determine the prevalence of regional acuphobia.
Academic Surgical Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London.
K S
KS
Patel
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
D006493:Heparin