Efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin in renal transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common problem with potentially devastating results in patients undergoing major surgical procedures. Certain renal transplant recipients are particularly at risk for allograft loss as a consequence of renal vein and artery thrombosis. Over the past few years, low molecular weight heparin has been well established as an accepted modality of treatment and prophylaxis of DVT. The efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin in the prophylaxis of DVT following renal transplantation in adults has not previously been reported.


METHODS
Dalteparin was administered to 120 adult renal transplant recipients postoperatively at the Oregon Health Sciences University.


RESULTS
No patient developed allograft arterial or venous thrombosis. One patient developed subclavian vein thrombosis. No bleeding complications were encountered, and side effects were very minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
Prophylaxis with dalteparin is an effective and safe modality for the prevention of thrombosis in adult patients undergoing renal transplantation.
Alkhunaizi
A M
AM
Department of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
Olyaei
A J
AJ
Barry
J M
JM
deMattos
A M
AM
Conlin
M J
MJ
Lemmers
M J
MJ
Bennett
W M
WM
Norman
D J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight