Efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism following lumbar decompression surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery.


METHODS
Patients at high or the highest risk of VTE who underwent lumbar spine surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to April 2011 were included in the present study. All the patients received a half dose of LMWH 6 hours after surgery followed by a full dose LMWH once per day until discharge. We recorded incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications, and medication side effects.


RESULTS
Seventy-eight consecutive patients were eligible and enrolled in this study. The mean hospital stat was 8.5±4.5 days. No symptomatic DVT, PE, or major bleeding events were observed. One patient developed wound ecchymosis, another developed wound bleeding, four had mild hepatic aminotransferase level elevation, and one developed a suspicious allergic reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
LMWH may be applied as an effective and safe prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.
Department of Orthopedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
Sun
S
Zhi-jian
Zhao
Z
Yu
Qiu
Q
Giu-xing
Wang
W
Yi-peng
Weng
W
Xi-sheng
Zhao
Z
Hong
Shen
S
Jian-xiong
Jiang
J
Yu
Li
L
Ye
Li
L
Xiang
D000368:Aged; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight