title: Factors associated with inappropriate chemical prophylaxis of thromboembolism in surgical patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite various guidelines for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention, malpractice in prescribing thromboprophylaxis is common. In this study, factors associated with prescribing or not prescribing appropriate chemical thromboprophylaxis were assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled high-risk patients for VTE (based on Caprini score) in the general surgery ward. They were divided into 2 groups based on receiving appropriate prophylaxis or not. Factors associated with prescribing thromboprophylaxis were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 613 patients were enrolled in this study. Head and neck operations (P < .0001), minor surgeries (P = .001), mastectomy (P = .012), and medical treatment (P = 0.034) were the factors associated with not prescribing thromboprophylaxis. In contrast, age (P < .0001), laparoscopic surgeries (P = .011), surgery duration (< .0001), oral contraceptive pill consumption (P = .005), and complete bed rest (P = .002) were protective factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minor surgeries, head and neck operations, mastectomy, and medical treatment are associated with overlooking anticoagulant administration. It is recommended to consider aforementioned pitfalls in routine practice and education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Research Center for Improvement of Surgical Procedures and Outcomes, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Zhamak
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Khorgami
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran rosa_mofid@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Roza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mofid
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Research Center for Improvement of Surgical Procedures and Outcomes, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Ahmadreza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soroush
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aminian
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Negin Hosseini
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Araghi
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Care Department, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Somayeh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hanafi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants