EARLY PREOPERATIVE THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS WITH KLEXANE(R) IN HIP FRACTURESURGERY - A PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate any possible benefits of early t hromboprophylactic treatment in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in high-risk hip fracture patients. Within 30 months, 239 patie nts were included in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. With the diagnosis of hip fracture confirmed, patients received either 40-mg E noxaparin s.c. or placebo once daily until operation. Postoperatively, all patients received 40-mg Enoxaparin s.c. once daily until phlebogr aphy. Phlebography was first performed on the operated leg, and with n o thrombosis detected, the other leg was investigated as well. The two groups did not differ demographically. Eighty-five patients were excl uded. Eight patients died during the study period. The remaining 146 p atients had ascending phlebography performed and 24 patients (16.4%) d eveloped DVT. Nine (12%) of 75 patients in the Klexane(R) and 15 (21%) of 72 patients in the placebo group developed DVT. The risk ratio was 0.58 (95% confidence limits 0.27-1.25) and p = .15 (chi(2) test). The re was no difference in perioperative bleeding or transfusion requirem ents. We conclude that Klexane(R) is an effective and safe thromboprop hylactic agent in hip fracture patients.