PROPHYLAXIS OF VENOUS THROMBOSIS, YES BUT

Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be achieved through mec hanic or pharmacological means. For the latter, unfractionated low dos e heparin, low molecular weight heparins and oral anticoagulants are s uccessfully and widely employed. Results of controlled and uncontrolle d studies favour the use of prophylactic heparin in different clinical and surgical conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, orthop edic or prolonged surgery and surgical interventions in patients older than forty. Useful parameters to evaluate the results of VTE prophyla xis are discussed as well as timing, duration, effectiveness, side eff ects and costs of therapy. Although the benefits of VTE prohylaxis in high risk patients are clear, it is not routinely employed in Argentin a.