High risk of the critically ill for venous thromboembolism.
The incidence of deep venous thrombosis of the legs (DVT) was studied in 119 critically ill patients by 125I-labeled fibrinogen scanning; the efficacy of low-dose heparin prophylaxis was assessed in a randomized, double-blind study. DVT occurred in 29% of control patients and in 13% of patients receiving heparin 5000 U subcutaneously twice daily. DVT was found mainly in men and was associated with circulatory impairment, respiratory failure and recent vascular or cancer surgery. In a comparison study of medical patients, DVT occurred in 10% untreated and 2% treated. In conclusion, the critically ill are at high risk of venous thromboembolism and low-dose prophylaxis is warranted in those who have no hemostatic impairment.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011897:Random Allocation; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000150:complications; D012306:Risk; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D006493:Heparin