ANTIPLATELET TREATMENT FOR THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS - A STEP FORWARD OR BACKWARDS

A recent meta-analysis from the Antiplatelet Trialists' Collaboration recommended that antilatelet treatment either alone or, for greater ef fect, in addition to other proved forms of thromboprophylaxis should b e considered for patients at high risk of thromboembolism. This paper argues that the current evidence does not justify the adoption of aspi rin or other antiplatelet treatment for venous thromboprophylaxis, esp ecially when more effective alternatives exist. Furthermore, several i ssues relating to this latest meta-analysis need to be debated.