Prophylaxis of deep-vein thrombosis after lower extremity amputation: Comparison of low molecular weight heparin with unfractionated heparin

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) with unfractionated heparin (UH) in this prophylaxis. METHODS: Seventy five patients (59 men and 16 women), undergoing major lower extremity amputation (30 above-knee and 45 below-knee), were randomized to be treated with subcutaneous UH (5,000 IU t.i.d.) or enoxaparin (40mg/day) during hospitalization. Prophylaxis was started 12 hours before surgery or, in emergency cases, in the first postoperative day. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with regard to baseline characteristics. Evaluation of DVT was performed by daily clinical examination and by duplex scanning before and 5 to 8 days after surgery. DVT was documented in the operated limb in 9.75% in patients treated with enoxaparin and in 11.76% in patients treated with UH (p=0.92) and there was one bilateral thrombosis in each group . Bleeding complications were not observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin and UH were both efficient and safe for the prophylaxis of DVT in patients submitted to lower extremity amputation.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Lastória,Sidney, Rollo,Hamilton A., Yoshida,Winston Bonetti, Giannini,Mariangela, Moura,Regina, Maffei,Francisco H. A.
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Cirurgia 2006
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-86502006000300011
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