Low-molecular-weight heparins and heparinoids

Williamson, Owen D; Street, Alison M.

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05269.x

Topics

To the Editor: The recent "New Drugs, Old Drugs" review of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and heparinoids1 provides a timely reminder of the limitations of studies that support the use of these agents in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly in orthopaedic surgery.

Correspondence:

1. Eikelboom JW, Hankey GJ. Low molecular weight heparins and heparinoids. Med J Aust 2002; 177: 379-383. <eMJA full text>
2. Bauer KA, Eriksson BI, Lassen MR, Turpie AGG. Fondaparinux compared with enoxaparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after elective major knee surgery. N Engl J Med 2001; 345: 1305-1310.
3. Eriksson BI, Bauer KA, Lassen MR, Turpie AGG. Postoperative fondaparinux versus preoperative enoxaparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism in elective hip-replacement surgery: a randomized double-blind comparison. Lancet 2002; 359: 1715-1720.
4. Murray DW, Britton AR, Bulstrode CJK. Thromboprophylaxis and death after total hip replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1996; 78: 863-870.
5. Warwick D, Perez J, Vickery C, Bannister G. Does total hip arthroplasty predispose to chronic venous insufficiency? J Arthroplasty 1996; 11: 529-533.

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