The use of low molecular weight heparins for postsurgical deep vein thrombosis prevention in orthopaedic patients.
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.
Chiapuzzo
E
E
Divisione Ortopedia-Traumatologia, Ospedale S. Giacomo, Novi Ligure, Italy.
Orengo
G B
GB
Ottria
G
G
Chiapuzzo
A
A
Palazzini
E
E
Fusillo
M
M
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*
D006493:Heparin