Low molecular weight heparin for deep vein thrombosis in glioma patients.
The treatment and secondary prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, a common complication in patients with malignant glioma, has remained controversial. We treated 11 patients with malignant glioma and DVT prospectively with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at 175 IU/kg for 10 days and then for 3 months at 100 IU/kg. No patient developed bleeding complications or any other severe side effects of LMWH treatment. Two patients had a dose reduction of LMWH to 75 IU/kg because of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. One patient developed progressive DVT and nonlethal pulmonary embolism on day 14 of LMWH 100 IU/kg. After increasing the dose to 175 IU/kg he had no further recurrence. One patient had recurrence of DVT after a fracture of the leg affected by DVT at 8 months after the diagnosis of DVT and 5 months after the end of LMWH therapy. LMWH therapy may be safe and effective in the treatment and secondary prophylaxis of DVT in patients with malignant glioma.
Schmidt
Friederike
F
Department of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Medical School, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany. friederike.schmidt@uni-tuebingen.de
Faul
Christoph
C
Dichgans
Johannes
J
Weller
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000150:complications*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight