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Effectiveness of Heparin during Long-Term Tocolysis
Tetsunori Inagaki1, Shintaro Makino, Takashi Yorifuji
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 17, 2013
Summary
Heparin reduces pain and the need for frequent peripheral venous catheter exchanges during long-term tocolysis. This treatment improves patient comfort and reduces healthcare burden without noted side effects.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Long-term tocolysis often leads to vasculitis, increasing peripheral venous catheter (PVC) exchange frequency and patient discomfort.
- Mechanical and infectious complications arise from repeated PVC insertions, posing a significant burden on patients undergoing tocolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of heparin in alleviating pain associated with vasculitis during long-term tocolysis.
- To determine if heparin can reduce the frequency of peripheral venous catheter exchanges in patients receiving tocolysis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on patients requiring long-term tocolysis.
- Heparin administration was initiated when patients exceeded five peripheral venous catheter exchanges within two weeks.
- Outcomes measured included the frequency of PVC exchange and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores.
Main Results:
- Heparin significantly reduced the frequency of peripheral venous catheter exchanges (P = 0.0069).
- Heparin also led to a significant decrease in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores (P = 0.042).
- No adverse side effects were observed during heparin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Heparin is effective in ameliorating pain caused by vasculitis in patients undergoing long-term tocolysis.
- Heparin administration can decrease the need for frequent peripheral venous catheter exchanges, enhancing patient satisfaction.
- The use of heparin offers a safe and beneficial therapeutic option for managing complications of long-term tocolysis.
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