[Anticoagulation medication for proximal femoral fractures: prospective validation study of new institutional guidelines].
BACKGROUND
Under current guidelines surgical care of hip fractures has to be initiated within 48 h which is a challenge for the management of patients on medical anticoagulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-house standard operation procedure (SOP) concerning these patients.


METHODS
All geriatric hip fracture patients were included in this prospective study. Data concerning medical anticoagulation and hemoglobin levels on admission and at discharge, the start and duration of surgery, transfusion rates and postoperative complications were collected


RESULTS
A total of 154 (62%) out of 247 patients were on anticoagulants. Patients on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) demonstrated a significant increase in the rate of transfusion (62%, 95% CI, range 53%-72%, p<0.05) but lost significantly less hemoglobin during hospitalization (1.25 g/dl, 95% CI 0.62-1.88g/dl, p<0.05) in comparison to the control group (40% transfused, hemoglobin loss 3.00 g/dl). Patients on phenprocoumon were operated on later (26 h versus 20 h,95% CI 22-30, p<0.001). There were no significant differences concerning complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Under this SOP anticoagulation has no impact on complication rates after hip fracture. The increased transfusion rates under ASS can be attributed to early blood transfusions. Antagonization of coumarin with vitamin K delays surgery but seems adequate. An analysis of more patients over a longer period of time should be conducted.
Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg, Standort Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Deutschland, buecking@med.uni-marburg.de.
B
B
Bücking
C
C
Bliemel
L
L
Waschnick
M
M
Balzer-Geldsetzer
R
R
Dodel
J
J
Slonka
S
S
Ruchholtz
J
J
Strüwer
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015897:Comorbidity; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000592:standards*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011292:Premedication / Q000592:standards*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants