[Pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in critically ill patients]

Critical care patients have to be considered at high risk patients for thromboembolic events. The recommendations and guidelines support strongly a pharmacologic anticoagulant prophylaxis. Due to the fact that only very few data are available for this selected patient population there are still open questions concerning the ideal choice of drug and optimal dosages. Prophylactic administration of UFH, LMWH and Fondaparinux can be used safely and effectively. In case of acutely suspected or diagnosed HIT type II Argatroban seems to be a reasonable choice for anticoagulation. The new orally available anticoagulant drugs are not yet indicated in ICU patients.