DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS PROPHYLAXIS IN SURGICALLY TREATED FRACTURED HIP PATIENTS

Deep vein thrombosis is a major complication in'patients treated surgically for fractured hip. Methods employed toreduce the risk of thrombosis include dextran, ASA, warfarin, low or adjusted dose heparin and calf compression, but none has widespread acceptance.A randomized trial wascarried out to assess the effectiveness of sodium warfarinand acetyl salicylic acid(aspirin) compared to placebo inthe prevention of venous thrombosis in fractured hip patients. One hundred and ninty four patients were randomizedto receive warfarin (65 patients), ASA (66 patients) or placebo (63 patients).Prophylaxis commenced post operatively and continued for 21 days or until discharge, if earlier.Warfarin patients received 10 mg sodium warfarin orally as soon as possible after surgery. Warfarin was then given daily according to the prothrombin time (PT), to obtain a PT of 16 seconds on the 5th post operative day. The PT was maintain at 16 to 18 seconds until the end of treatment.ASA and placebo patients received enteric coated tablets, 650 mg twice daily, in a double blind fashion beginning as soon as possible post operatively and continuingto the end of treatment. Surveillance testing and I-fibrinogen leg scanning and impedance plethysmography was performed and venography was done if either test suggested thrombus at the popliteal vein or above. Otherwise venography was performed at day 21 or prior to discharge, if earlier. Venous thrombosis occurred in 13 patients (20%) in the warfarin group, 27 patients (^0.9%) in the ASA group, and 29 patients (46%) in the placebo group (P=0.005). Proximal vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurred in 6patients (9.2%) in the warfarin group,7 patients (10.6%) in the ASA and 19 patients (30.2%) in the placebo group (P=0.002). Two major hemorrhages occurred in the warfarin group, none in the ASA group, and 2 in the placebo group.The results of this study show sodium warfarin to be safeand effective in reducing thromboembolic complications infractured hip patients and ASA to be effective in reducing thrombosis involving the proximal deep veins of the lower limbs in these patients.