title: The use of low molecular weight heparins for postsurgical deep vein thrombosis prevention in orthopaedic patients.
abstract: The prophylactic antithrombotic efficacy of a low molecular weight heparin was compared with a traditional unfractionated calcium heparin after orthopaedic surgery in 140 patients. Deep vein thromboses were detected in legs either by Doppler sonography or [125I]fibrinogen uptake tests in five (7.1%) and seven (10%) patients, respectively. The capacity of both drugs to prevent deep vein thrombosis was demonstrated. Compared with the control group, those who used low molecular weight heparin showed a significant increase of activated factor X inhibition and smaller increases in activated partial thromboplastin times. Tolerability of both drugs was good, with a low incidence of local side-effects.
authors.affiliation: Divisione Ortopedia-Traumatologia, Ospedale S. Giacomo, Novi Ligure, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chiapuzzo
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Orengo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ottria
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chiapuzzo
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Palazzini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fusillo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009985:Orthopedics; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin