Guideline for prophylactic anticoagulation.
BACKGROUND
Prophylactic anticoagulation in South Africa is unfortunately under-prescribed. This has led to unacceptable mortality and morbidity in numerous patients.


METHODS
The Southern African Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis held two meetings at which all the available literature as well as guidelines from other societies were reviewed. The specialties represented on the committees included Anaesthetics, Cardiology, Clinical Haematology, Critical Care, Gynaecology, Haematopathology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Pulmonology and Vascular Surgery. A draft document was presented at both meetings, which was altered by consensus agreement. The guidelines were adjudicated by a recognised external international expert to avoid local bias.


CONCLUSIONS
A guideline for prophylaxis in medical and surgical patients has been produced for the South African situation. It is hoped that this will lead to improved anticoagulation practice in this country, which we believe will directly benefit patient outcome.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004617:Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D013019:South Africa; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants