High risk of the critically ill for venous thromboembolism

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis of the legs (DVT) was studied in 119 critically ill patients by 125I-labeled fibrinogen scanning; the efficacy of low-dose heparin prophylaxis was assessed in a randomized, double-blind study. DVT occurred in 29% of control patients and in 13% of patients rece...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCritical care medicine Vol. 10; no. 7; p. 448
Main Author Cade, J F
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.1982
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Cardiovascular Diseases - complications
Clinical Trials as Topic
Double-Blind Method
Female
Heparin - administration & dosage
Heparin - therapeutic use
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Male
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications
Random Allocation
Respiratory Insufficiency - complications
Risk
Thrombophlebitis - epidemiology
Thrombophlebitis - etiology
Thrombophlebitis - prevention & control
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Summary:The incidence of deep venous thrombosis of the legs (DVT) was studied in 119 critically ill patients by 125I-labeled fibrinogen scanning; the efficacy of low-dose heparin prophylaxis was assessed in a randomized, double-blind study. DVT occurred in 29% of control patients and in 13% of patients receiving heparin 5000 U subcutaneously twice daily. DVT was found mainly in men and was associated with circulatory impairment, respiratory failure and recent vascular or cancer surgery. In a comparison study of medical patients, DVT occurred in 10% untreated and 2% treated. In conclusion, the critically ill are at high risk of venous thromboembolism and low-dose prophylaxis is warranted in those who have no hemostatic impairment.
ISSN:0090-3493
DOI:10.1097/00003246-198207000-00006