Venous thromboembolism--prophylactic and therapeutic practice guideline.
BACKGROUND
Pharmacological prophylactic anticoagulation in many countries, including South Africa, is under-prescribed, which unfortunately results in unacceptable morbidity and mortality in a substantial number of patients.


METHODS
The Southern African Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis reviewed the available literature as well as guidelines from other societies. 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 produced, which was revised by consensus agreement. To avoid local bias, the guidelines were adjudicated by recognised independent international external experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION. A concise, practical guideline for thrombo-prophylaxis and treatment in medical and surgical patients has been produced for South African conditions. These guidelines will hopefully lead to improved anticoagulation practice in this country, which we believe will directly benefit patient outcomes.
Jacobson
B F
BF
Department of Haematology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, PO Box 1038, Johannesburg. clot@nhls.ac.za
Louw
S
S
Mer
M
M
Haas
S
S
Büller
H R
HR
Abdul-Carim
A T O
AT
Adler
D
D
Beaton
A
A
de Jong
P R
PR
van der Jagt
D
D
Levy
B
B
Pearl
J
J
Schapkaitz
E
E
Wessels
P
P
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008512:Medicine in the Arts; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants