[Prevention of thrombosis in medical patients--documentation is missing]

A questionnaire regarding current routines for thromboprophylaxis was distributed to all 63 medical departments in Norwegian hospitals; 58 (92%) responded. All departments declared that they practiced prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism, and in most departments the decision (as to whether to practice prophylaxis) was left to the physicians. Written guidelines were used in only 12 departments, 21% of those who responded. The indications listed were those associated with a particular risk of thrombosis. Previous thrombosis and malignancy were listed less frequently than expected. There is a need for specific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of thromboprophylaxis in medical patients. In our opinion this requires that further placebo-controlled studies be carried out.