The effect of fondaparinux versus enoxaparin in the survival of a congested skin flap in a rabbit model.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fondaparinux, a selective antithrombin III agonist, in comparison to the low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin in the survival of a congested skin flap.


METHODS
Eighteen axial-pattern auricular flaps were performed on rabbits using a well-described congested flap model. Animals were randomized into 2 treatment groups, enoxaparin (n = 6) and fondaparinux (n = 6), and a control group (n = 6) that received no treatment. Skin flap survival area was measured postoperatively at 7 and 14 days.


RESULTS
The groups that received fondaparinux and enoxaparin had similar mean flap survival areas and were not statistically different. However, both treatment groups significantly increased flap survival compared with controls (P < 0.014).


CONCLUSIONS
Fondaparinux, like enoxaparin, significantly improves survival of congested flaps in rabbits. Its use instead of enoxaparin may be warranted, given that it eliminates the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Further study in humans is warranted.
Chung
Thomas L
TL
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, 21201, USA.
Holton
Luther H
LH
Silverman
Ronald P
RP
D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000077425:Fondaparinux