Thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin in outpatients with plaster-cast immobilisation of the leg.
Deep-vein thrombosis is common after plaster-cast immobilisation for traumatic injury. We did a randomised prospective study of the effect of low-molecular-weight heparin on the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis in patients with minor injuries treated with plaster-cast immobilisation of the leg. A control group (n = 163) received no prophylaxis, the prophylaxis group received low-molecular-weight heparin once daily (n = 176). The incidence of deep-vein thrombosis in the prophylaxis group was 0% (one tailed p < 0.006) vs 4.3% in the control group. No severe side-effects of low-molecular-weight heparin were observed. Thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin once daily is effective in reducing the risk of deep-vein thrombosis in outpatients with plaster-cast immobilisation of the leg.
Kock
H J
HJ
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Germany.
Schmit-Neuerburg
K P
KP
Hanke
J
J
Rudofsky
G
G
Hirche
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015994:Incidence; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D011292:Premedication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight