Combined intermittent pneumatic leg compression and pharmacological prophylaxis for prevention of venous thrombo-embolism in high-risk patients.
BACKGROUND
It has been suggested that combined modalities (methods of treatment) are more effective than single modalities in preventing venous thrombo-embolism (defined as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, or both) in high-risk patients.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic leg compression combined with pharmacological prophylaxis versus single modalities in preventing venous thrombo-embolism in high-risk patients.


METHODS
The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases (PVD) Group searched the reference lists of their Specialised Register (last searched 17 July 2007) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (last searched The Cochrane Library 2008, issue 3) for relevant articles to identify additional trials.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) of combined intermittent pneumatic leg compression and pharmacological interventions used to prevent venous thrombo-embolism in high-risk patients.


METHODS
Data extraction was undertaken independently by two review authors using data extraction sheets.
Kakkos
S K
SK
Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Detroit, USA. kakkos@upatras.gr
Caprini
J A
JA
Geroulakos
G
G
Nicolaides
A N
AN
Stansby
G P
GP
Reddy
D J
DJ
D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D001241:Aspirin