Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Prevention of Postoperative Thrombosis in Abdominal Surgery

SummaryIn a prospective, double-blind, randomized multicenter trial the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin and unfractionated heparin were compared for the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Six hundred and seventy-three patients were randomly allocated to the two prophylaxis groups; 20 of these, however, did not undergo surgery and did not receive any prophylaxis. Of the remaining 653 patients 323 received one subcutaneous injection of 3,000 anti-Xa units of low molecular weight heparin and 330 received subcutaneously 5,000 U heparin three times a day. Treatment was initiated 2 h preoperatively and continued for 7 to 10 days. The occurrence of DVT was determined by the 125I-labelled fibrinogen uptake test and phlebography. Venous thrombosis was diagnosed in 24 of 323 patients (7.4%) treated with low molecular weight heparin and in 26 of 330 patients (7.9%) treated with low-dose heparin. DVT of proximal veins was detected in four patients of the low molecular weight heparin group and in three patients of the low-dose heparin group. During the observation period three pulmonary emboli - one fatal and two non-fatal - occurred in patients receiving prophylaxis with low-dose heparin. No pulmonary embolism was found in patients treated with low molecular weight heparin. Both prophylactic schemes were well tolerated. Intra-and postoperative blood loss, incidence of wound hematoma, frequency and volume of intra- and postoperative blood transfusion were similar in both groups with a slight advantage for the low molecular weight heparin group. The results of this trial show that the investigated low molecular weight heparin is at least as effective and safe as low-dose heparin in preventing deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

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A Comparison of Low-Dose Heparin with Low-Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) as Prophylaxis against Venous Thromboembolism after Major Trauma

50 Landmark Papers ◽

10.1201/9780429316944-91 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 285-287

Author(s):

Ara Feinstein

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Low Molecular Weight Heparin ◽

Major Trauma ◽

Low Dose ◽

Low Molecular Weight ◽

Dose Heparin ◽

Low Dose Heparin

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A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE BLIND STUDY OF A LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HEPARIN (KABI 2165) ONCE DAILY AND LOW DOSE STANDARD HEPARIN TWICE DAILY, IN THE PREVENTION OF POST OPERATIVE DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS IN GENERAL SURGERY. A French Multicenter Trial

10.1055/s-0038-1643594 ◽

1987 ◽

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Low Molecular Weight Heparin ◽

Low Dose ◽

Multicenter Trial ◽

Low Molecular Weight ◽

Double Blind ◽

Once Daily ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Deep Vein

The efficacy and safety of a low molecular weight heparin (Kabi 2165) in preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis (D.V.T.), was assessed in a double blind randomly allocated multicenter trial. 385 patients were included and analysed on a intention to treat basis. Kabi 2165 was given S.C. 24 hourly in 2 500 anti-factor Xa units and compared with standard low dose calcium heparin 5 000 i.u. S.C. 12 hourly in patients undergoing major abdominal or gynaecological surgery. The first dose was administered two hours before operation in both groups. The relevant characteristics of the patients in the two treatment groups were similar. The two groups were well matched for risk factors which could predispose to D.V.T.DVT was detected by the radioactive fibrinogen test. Venography was performed whenever a positive scan developed in a patient. Six (3,1 96) of 195 patients receiving Kabi 2165 and seven (3,7 96) of 190 patients in the standard heparin group developed D.V.T. No pulmonary embolism we re detected during the prophylactic regimens. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of blood loss during surgery, postoperative drainage, blood transfusion, wound haematoma. Mean hemoglobin levels and mean hematocrit values preoperatively and postoperatively (day 1 and 6) were :There were no statistically significant differences in both groups. No thrombocytopenia was reported in this study. The antifactor Xa activity was significantly higher in the Kabi 2165 group.In conclusion, Kabi 2165 once daily is as effective and safe as standard heparin twice daily in preventing postoperative D.V.T. in general surgery.

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