Related Experiment Videos
[Defibrotide and heparin in the prevention of deep venous thromboses. A controlled study]
L G Villani1, R Dalla Valle, P Rubini
1Istituto di Patologia Speciale Chirurgica, Università di Parma.
Insights
Defibrotide and heparin effectively prevented deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in surgical patients. Defibrotide showed a better healing rate and less bleeding compared to heparin.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Pharmacology
- Thrombosis Prevention
Background:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are significant risks for surgical patients.
- Anticoagulant therapy is crucial for preventing these thromboembolic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of defibrotide versus heparin in preventing DVT and pulmonary embolism in surgical patients.
- To assess the impact of these treatments on wound healing and bleeding complications.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 41 surgical patients at risk of DVT.
- Patients were randomized to receive either intravenous defibrotide (400 mg b.i.d.) or subcutaneous heparin (5000 UI t.i.d.).
- Outcomes assessed included DVT, pulmonary embolism, wound healing, and bleeding.
Main Results:
- Neither DVT nor pulmonary embolism was observed in either treatment group.
- The heparin group exhibited a longer healing rate.
- More pronounced surgical wound bleeding occurred in the first three days for the heparin group, with one patient discontinuing treatment due to hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- Both defibrotide and heparin were effective in preventing DVT and pulmonary embolism in this surgical cohort.
- Defibrotide demonstrated a potentially favorable profile regarding wound healing and reduced bleeding complications compared to heparin.
Abstract:
Forty-one surgical patients at risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were treated with defibrotide (400 mg/b.i.d./i.v.) or with heparin (5000 UI/t.i.d./s.c.). Neither DVT nor pulmonary embolism was evidenced. In the heparin group the healing rate was longer and during the first three days bleeding from the surgical wound was more pronounced. In particular one patient of the heparin group had to interrupt the treatment for haemorrhage.