Venous thrombosis after acute spinal cord injury: cost analysis of prophylaxis guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms are major complications associated with acute spinal cord injury. The purpose of this study was to perform a cost analysis on the two pharmacoprophylaxis regimens suggested for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in this population.


METHODS
Efficacy and safety data were obtained from the literature.


RESULTS
Results of the cost analysis demonstrates that adjusted dose unfractionated heparin produces a cost savings over enoxaparin at 30 mg every 12 hr.


CONCLUSIONS
Further studies are needed to determine the most cost-effective therapy for preventing deep vein thrombi in this population.
Wade
W E
WE
Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.
Chisholm
M A
MA
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin; D006493:Heparin