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Is the incidence of deep vein thrombosis following myocardial infarction decreasing?
Insights
This study investigated flurbiprofen and heparin for deep vein thrombosis prevention after myocardial infarction. Low thrombosis rates suggest current prophylactic anticoagulant therapy may need reassessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a complication following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
- Prophylactic anticoagulant therapy is often used to prevent DVT in these patients.
- The effectiveness of specific agents like flurbiprofen and heparin requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of flurbiprofen and subcutaneous heparin in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
- To assess the overall incidence of DVT in patients recovering from AMI.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial comparing flurbiprofen, subcutaneous heparin, and a control group.
- Isotopic determination of venous thrombosis incidence.
- Analysis of patient demographics, blood viscosity, plasma antithrombin III concentration, and coronary prognostic index.
Main Results:
- The incidence of DVT in the control group was 9.5%.
- Overall DVT incidence across all groups was too low to statistically assess the effectiveness of flurbiprofen or heparin.
- Patients who developed DVT were slightly older on average.
Conclusions:
- The low incidence of DVT suggests early physiotherapy and ambulation in coronary care units may be effective preventative measures.
- Current prophylactic anticoagulant therapy practices for AMI patients may warrant re-evaluation.
- Further research is needed to confirm optimal DVT prevention strategies post-AMI.
Abstract:
A trial was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of the antiplatelet drug, flurbiprofen, and subcutaneous heparin in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis following acute myocardial infarction. The original aim of the study could not be fulfilled as the incidence of isotopically-determined venous thrombosis in the group of control patients was only 9.5%. The incidence in all three groups was too low to assess the effectiveness of flurbiprofen prophylaxis. It is suggested that the low incidence may be related to the recent practice of early physiotherapy and ambulation in coronary care units. The patients who developed venous thrombosis were, on average, a little older than those who did not. No differences were observed in blood viscosity, plasma antithrombin III concentration or mean coronary prognostic index. The low incidence of venous thrombosis following acute myocardial infarction suggests a need to reassess the practice of prophylactic anticoagulant therapy in this condition.