Orbital Hemorrhage and Compressive Optic Neuropathy in Patients With Midfacial Fractures Receiving Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Therapy

• Published in: Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery Vol. 67; no. 7; pp. 1416 - 1419
• Main Authors: Jamal, Basem T., BDS, Diecidue, Robert J., DMD, MD, MSPH, Taub, Daniel, DDS, MD, Champion, Allen, DDS, Bilyk, Jurij R., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.07.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aged, 80 and over; Anticoagulants - adverse effects; Biological and medical sciences; Dentistry; Enoxaparin - adverse effects; Female; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Intraocular Pressure; Maxillary Fractures - complications; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Optic Nerve Diseases - etiology; Orbital Fractures - complications; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Retrobulbar Hemorrhage - etiology; Retrobulbar Hemorrhage - surgery; Surgery; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Zygomatic Fractures - complications; Human; Treatment; Optic neuropathy; Stomatology; Surgery; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Low molecular weight heparin; Anticoagulant; Fracture; Orbit (eye); Trauma; Hemorrhage
• ISSN: 0278-2391; 1531-5053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2008.12.044

While the implementation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in the hospital setting is a major concern, the use of antithrombotic agents is fraught with a variety of hemorrhagic complications. Due to increasing reports of adverse reactions to unfractionated heparin (UFH), several manufacturers have initiated product recalls. As a result, the use of low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) such as enoxaparin has risen substantially. In this paper, 2 orbital hemorrhagic complications in patients receiving enoxaparin therapy will be presented. The incidence of DVT in the OMS patient, recent prophylactic strategies, and their effectiveness will be reviewed.