Turpie AG, Hirsh J, Gent M, Julian D, Johnson J.
Prevention of deep vein thrombosis in potential neurosurgical patients.
A randomized trail comparing graduated compression stockings alone or graduated
compression stockings plus intermittent pneumatic compression with control.
Arch Intern Med 1989 Mar;149(3):679-81

Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

In a randomized trial of neurosurgical patients, groups wearing graduated
compression stockings alone (group 1) or graduated compression stockings plus
intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) (group 2) were compared with an
untreated control group in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In both
active treatment groups, the graduated compression stockings were continued for
14 days or until hospital discharge, if earlier. In group 2, IPC was continued
for seven days. All patients underwent DVT surveillance with iodine 125-labeled
fibrinogen leg scanning and impedance plethysmography. Venography was carried out
if either test became abnormal. Deep vein thrombosis occurred in seven (8.8%) of
80 patients in group 1, in seven (9.0%) of 78 patients in group 2, and in 16
(19.8%) of 81 patients in the control group. The observed differences among these
rates are statistically significant. The results of this study indicate that
graduated compression stockings alone or in combination with IPC are effective
methods of preventing DVT in neurosurgical patients.