Citation

Erstad BL. Pharmacotherapy 1998; 18(5): 1011-1023.

Affiliation

Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721-0207, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Pharmacotherapy Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9758312

Abstract

Thromboembolic complications are frequent in patients with multiple trauma. The efficacy of unfractionated heparin for venous thrombosis prophylaxis has not been established. Based on limited prospective data, low-molecular-weight heparin appears to be more effective than unfractionated heparin and at least as effective as compression devices for preventing thromboembolic complications in these patients. Vena cava filters should be considered in high-risk patients who cannot receive anticoagulant therapy, but long-term filter use without concomitant anticoagulant therapy is associated with a substantial risk of recurrent thromboembolism.

Language: en