We have located links that may give you full text access.
Journal Article
Review
The role of low molecular weight heparin in total knee arthroplasty.
Low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis is an acceptable, if not superior, alternative to heparin and warfarin prophylaxis in TKA. Considering the current popularity of pharmacologic prophylaxis after total hip and total knee arthroplasty and the advantages of low-molecular-weight heparins over traditional pharmacologic agents, these agents have the potential to become the prophylactic agent of choice against DVT in TKA. There are several practical differences between low molecular weight heparins and warfarin. Low molecular weight heparins are administered by subcutaneous injection and do not require drug-level or blood monitoring. Warfarin, although administered orally, must be maintained within an appropriate international normalized ratio (INR=2-3) with daily dose adjustments and takes 36 hours to produce a measurable effect, which may leave patients relatively unprotected during the early postoperative period. Comparative trials have demonstrated that low molecular weight heparins are more efficacious than warfarin in producing a greater overall reduction in the incidence and risk of DVT, but show similar rates of PE. Some studies suggest that bleeding may be a greater problem with low molecular weight heparin. Despite the superior efficacy of low molecular weight heparin, the prevalence of venous thromboembolism after TKA continues to be substantial compared with total hip arthroplasty, with at least a quarter of patients still affected. Additional prophylaxis strategies for this indication are needed and could include combining mechanical prophylaxis (eg, external pneumatic compression) with low molecular weight heparin. An appropriate management strategy should be established for all patients undergoing TKA. This should include identification of high-risk patients, cautious transfusion of blood products, pharmacologic prophylaxis with an acceptable agent for TKA, early mobilization, postoperative screening in high-risk patients, and continuing pharmacologic prophylaxis for an appropriate period postoperatively.
Full text links
Related Resources
Trending Papers
Challenges in Septic Shock: From New Hemodynamics to Blood Purification Therapies.Journal of Personalized Medicine 2024 Februrary 4
Molecular Targets of Novel Therapeutics for Diabetic Kidney Disease: A New Era of Nephroprotection.International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2024 April 4
The 'Ten Commandments' for the 2023 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of endocarditis.European Heart Journal 2024 April 18
A Guide to the Use of Vasopressors and Inotropes for Patients in Shock.Journal of Intensive Care Medicine 2024 April 14
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app