Prophylaxis of thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting approximately 4 million people each year in the United States. The identification of risk factors for the development of DVT and PE helped to develop a system for risk stratification. The risk to develop a deep vein thrombosis has been estimated to be up to 80% in some populations without prophylaxis. In multiple studies LMWHs demonstrated to be efficient and safe for reduction of DVT of patients in general and visceral surgery, orthopedic surgery, and trauma. Three compounds have been studied best, e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin, nadroparin, which may help to decide which type of LMWH to use. There is clearly an expanding role for LMWHs in gynecology, cancer, intensive care, patients with acute medical illness and bedridden patients. In summary, LMWHs have chemical, physical, and clinical similarities. They have greater bioavailability, longer half-lifes, more predictable pharmacological response, possible improved safety, and similar or greater efficacy compared with UH. However, the evaluation of clinical trials does not allow the determination of therapeutic equivalence due to different diagnostic methods, drug administration times, dose equivalencies, and outcome measurements The scoring of the quality of clinical trials for meta-analysis is problematic and it has been recommended to assess the methodological aspects individually. Despite clear evidence of effectiveness, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis is underused. This has been recognized by law firms as evidenced by internet advertisement where patients are informed on the prevention of venous thromboembolism or economy class syndrome. "If you or a family member has been injured, contact a personal injury attorney today. Just fill out Injury.Board.com's on-line questionnaire and have a personal injury lawyer review your potential personal injury claim -- free of charge.". The medico legal implications of antithrombotic prophylaxis and treatment are well recognized.