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Deep vein thrombosis after surgery
Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant, potentially fatal complication following surgery. Certain orthopaedic procedures, such as hip or knee arthroplasty, present a greater risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than others. These surgical risks are further compounded by individual patient risk factors. In the event of a DVT, treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) should be initiated on diagnosis, followed by initiation of oral anticoagulant therapy. Once the LMWH is discontinued, anticoagulation with warfarin should be continued for a period of time, to be determined by assessing the individual's risk of VTE recurrence.
... Ancak orta derecede ya da yüksek DVT riskine sahip cerrahi hastaları için de profilaksi uygulanması zorunludur (1,13,21). Yapılan araştırmalar uzun dönem DVT tedavisinde DMAH'lerin, diğer tedavi seçeneklerine oranla tedavi üstünlüğü olduğunu göstermektedir (22,23). Cerrahi hastalarında profilaktik tedavi en az hastanede yatış süresi (7-10 gün) kadar olmalıdır. ...
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a spectrum of diseases that includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Anticoagulant treatment is the mainstay of therapy for VTE. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) followed by vitamin K antagonists have been the treatment of choice for most patients with VTE, with the aim to prevent thrombus extension or embolization and recurrent VTE. Fondaparinux, a selective, indirect, parenteral factor Xa inhibitor, is now also approved for the initial treatment of VTE and represents an important alternative to UFH or LMWH. Secondary prevention of VTE with vitamin K antagonists is usually prescribed for a minimum of three months, with the duration of treatment based on the presence or absence of major identifiable risk factors for the index event. Patients with permanent risk factors or patients with recurrent DVT or PE require life long secondary prevention. Over the last years, new oral anticoagulant agents have been developed and are now undergoing extensive clinical evaluation in several settings, including the treatment of VTE. New oral anticoagulants include selective, direct thrombin inhibitors, such as dabigatran etexilate, and selective, direct factor Xa inhibitos, such as rivaroxaban, apixaban or edoxaban. All these drugs are admistered at fixed daily doses and do not require laboratory monitoring. The positive results of the first completed clinical trials suggest that a new era in the management of VTE is about to begin.
Background:
Pharmacological prophylactic anticoagulation in many countries, including South Africa, is under-prescribed, which unfortunately results in unacceptable morbidity and mortality in a substantial number of patients.
Method:
The Southern African Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis reviewed the available literature as well as guidelines from other societies. Specialties represented on the committees included anaesthetics, cardiology, clinical haematology, critical care, gynaecology, haematopathology, internal medicine, neurology, orthopaedic surgery, pulmonology and vascular surgery. A draft document was produced, which was revised by consensus agreement. To avoid local bias, the guidelines were adjudicated by recognised independent international external experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION. A concise, practical guideline for thrombo-prophylaxis and treatment in medical and surgical patients has been produced for South African conditions. These guidelines will hopefully lead to improved anticoagulation practice in this country, which we believe will directly benefit patient outcomes.
Patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery--hip or knee arthroplasty, or hip fracture repair--are in the highest risk category for venous thromboembolism (VTE) solely on the basis of the orthopedic procedure itself. Despite this, nearly half of patients undergoing these procedures do not receive appropriate prophylaxis against VTE, often due to a disproportionate fear of bleeding complications in this population. Guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) provide evidence-based recommendations for many aspects of VTE risk reduction in the setting of orthopedic surgery, as detailed in this review. The ACCP recommends the use of either low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), fondaparinux, or adjusted-dose warfarin as preferred VTE prophylaxis in patients undergoing either hip or knee arthroplasty. Fondaparinux is the preferred recommendation for patients undergoing hip fracture repair, followed by LMWH, unfractionated heparin, and adjusted-dose warfarin as alternative options. Extended-duration prophylaxis (for 4 to 5 weeks) is now recommended for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty or hip fracture repair. Patients undergoing knee arthroscopy do not require routine pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis.
Treatment goals for deep venous thrombosis include stopping clot propagation and preventing the recurrence of thrombus, the occurrence of pulmonary embolism, and the development of pulmonary hypertension, which can be a complication of multiple recurrent pulmonary emboli. About 30 percent of patients with deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism have a thrombophilia. An extensive evaluation is suggested in patients younger than 50 years with an idiopathic episode of deep venous thrombosis, patients with recurrent thrombosis, and patients with a family history of thromboembolism. Infusion of unfractionated heparin followed by oral administration of warfarin remains the mainstay of treatment for deep venous thrombosis. Subcutaneously administered low-molecular-weight (LMW) heparin is at least as effective as unfractionated heparin given in a continuous infusion. LMW heparin is the agent of choice for treating deep venous thrombosis in pregnant women and patients with cancer. Based on validated protocols, warfarin can be started at a dosage of 5 or 10 mg per day. The intensity and duration of warfarin therapy depends on the individual patient, but treatment of at least three months usually is required. Some patients with thrombophilias require lifetime anticoagulation. Treatment for pulmonary embolism is similar to that for deep venous thrombosis. Because of the risk of hypoxemia and hemodynamic instability, in-hospital management is advised. Unfractionated heparin commonly is used, although LMW heparin is safe and effective. Thrombolysis is used in patients with massive pulmonary embolism. Subcutaneous heparin, LMW heparin, and warfarin have been approved for use in surgical prophylaxis. Elastic compression stockings are useful in patients at lowest risk for thromboembolism. Intermittent pneumatic leg compression is a useful adjunct to anticoagulation and an alternative when anticoagulation is contraindicated.