Serin K, Yanar H, Ozdenkaya Y, Tugrul S, Kurtoglu M.

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2010 Mar;16(2):130-4.

Abstract BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compared to elastic stockings in combination with intermittent pneumatic compression (ES+IPC) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the intensive care unit (ICU) of trauma and emergency surgery.

METHODS: From June 2005 to June 2007, 259 patients who were on mechanic ventilation in the ICU were assigned to two groups as either LMWH (152 patients) or ES+IPC (94 patients). Color flow Doppler sonography was performed on the 3rd and 7th days.

RESULTS: Deep venous thrombosis was determined in 3 (2%) of the LMWH group and in 1 (1%) in the ES+IPC group. Minor bleeding was seen in 15 patients. The frequency of VTE was 1.5%. Two patients suffered from fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) among a total of 4 patients with PE.

CONCLUSION: We believe that the protocol applied for VTE prophylaxis in the Emergency Surgery Department of Istanbul Medical Faculty is effective and safe in this group with such high mortality and morbidity.