Deep vein thrombosis and low-dose heparin prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients

✓ By the use of 125I-labeled fibrinogen test, the incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the effectiveness of prophylactic low-dose heparin treatment were investigated in 110 patients who underwent elective neurosurgical procedures. Fifty patients were appointed randomly to a control group and 50 to a heparin group (10 patients were excluded since they had DVT before surgery). The incidence of DVT was reduced from 34% in the control group to 6% in the heparin group (p < 0.005). No statistically significant differences were observed in transfusion requirements, postoperative hemoglobin concentration, and the occurrence of postoperative hematomas between the two groups. Positive correlation was observed between DVT and motor deficit (p < 0.05). Preoperative assessment of patients' sensitivity to the standard 5000-unit dose of heparin was performed in all treated patients and is thought an important factor in improving the safety of heparin prophylaxis.

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Effect of Low-Dose heparin and dihydroercotamine prophylaxis on incidence of postoperative deep-vein thrombosis in patients undergoing hip surgery

10.1055/s-0039-1684783 ◽

1979 ◽

Author(s):

G. Lahnborg ◽

B. Beerman

Keyword(s):

Low Dose ◽

Prospective Trial ◽

Favourable Effect ◽

Control Group ◽

Heparin Group ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Dose Heparin ◽

Deep Vein ◽

Low Dose Heparin ◽

Heparin Prophylaxis

The favourable effect of low-dose heparin prophylaxis in preventing postoperative deep-vain thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing surgical treume has bean shown in several investigations. However, there are still some patients sustaining DVT in spite of heparin prophylaxis. In an attempt to improve the prophylaxis, dihydroergotamine (DHE) has been added to the heparin.In a prospective trial the effect of low-dose heparin and DHE prophylaxis was studied in 190 patients undergoing nailing of fractured femoral neck. The patients were divided into 3 groups and were randomly given heparin or a combination of heparin and DHE and the third group was given only saline.The frequency of DVT, detected by the 125-I-fibrinogen method was 167. in the group given heparin and DHE, 20%, in the heparin group and 39% in the control group.Preliminary results. Completed evaluation will be presented during the congress.

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Low-Dose Heparin and Deep-Vein Thrombosis after Total Hip Replacement

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1648020 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 36 (01) ◽

pp. 157-164 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

P. M Mannucci ◽

Luisa E. Citterio ◽

N Panajotopoulos

Keyword(s):

Deep Vein Thrombosis ◽

Total Hip Replacement ◽

Hip Replacement ◽

Low Dose ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Hip ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Dose Heparin ◽

Deep Vein ◽

Low Dose Heparin

SummaryThe effect of subcutaneous low-dose heparin on postoperative deep-vein thrombosis (D. V. T.) (diagnosed by the 125I-labelled fibrinogen test) has been investigated in a trial of 143 patients undergoing the operation of total hip replacement. Two randomized studies were carried out: in one the scanning for D.V.T. was carried out daily for 7 days post operatively and in the other for 15 days. In both, the incidence of D.V.T. was significantly lower in the heparin-treated patients (P<0.005). Bilateral D.V.T. was also prevented (P<0.05), through the extension of D.V.T. to the distal veins of the thigh was not significantly reduced. Heparin treatment was, however, followed by a higher incidence of severe postoperative bleeding (P< 0.02) and wound haematoma formation (P< 0.005), and the postoperative haemoglobin was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.005). A higher number of transfused blood units was also needed by the heparin treated patients (P<0.001).

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