title: Thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin in outpatients with plaster-cast immobilisation of the leg.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kock
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Schmit-Neuerburg
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hanke
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rudofsky
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hirche
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight