Changing patterns of prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis following elective hip replacement.
The author audited the charts of elective hip replacements at a community hospital over an 18 month period. Initially, aspirin was the most commonly ordered prophylactic agent (31%). Only 15% of patients received an ideal or probably effective prophylactic regimen. After feedback was received by the orthopedists, another audit was performed. Warfarin was the most commonly used agent and 54% of patients received an ideal or probably effective regimen in the follow-up period (P < .0001 compared to initial survey). Although there is still room for further improvement, orthopedists in this community are using more effective regimens to prevent thromboembolism following elective hip surgery.
Grossman
R S
RS
Internal Medicine Training Program, Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Greensboro, NC.
D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin; D001241:Aspirin