Review: low molecular weight heparin reduces risk of venous thromboembolism in adults with leg immobilisation
QUESTION
In adults with leg immobilisation, does low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
REVIEW SCOPE
Included studies compared LMWH with placebo or no thromboprophylaxis in adults with a leg injury requiring immobilisation in a plaster cast or brace in an ambulatory setting. Outcomes were symptomatic or asymptomatic VTE (deep venous thrombosis [DVT] or pulmonary embolism) and bleeding events.
REVIEW METHODS
Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Specialised Register, PubMed, and EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (May 2008); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 2, 2008); and reference lists were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials. Pharmaceutical companies were consulted. 6 RCTs (n = 1490, mean age 34–49 y, 46–79% men) met the selection criteria. DVT was diagnosed by venography or by compression ultrasonography and/or duplex scanning confirmed …
