Thromboembolism in total hip replacement.

Abstract

The efficacy of low dosage heparin in the prevention of pulmonary embolism has been assessed in a group of 177 "high risk" patients undergoing hip replacement operations compared with a control group of 236 "high risk" patients not so treated. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made on the basis of the commonly accepted clinical signs and symptoms, confirmed by electrocardiography, chest radiography, serum enzymes, and blood gas analysis. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 9.74% of the patients in the control group and in 1.69% of those treated with heparin. These figures indicate that heparin is effective in preventing pulmonary embolism.

• Authors: E Figus, S Gnudi, R Cagnano
• Journal: Italian journal of orthopaedics and traumatology (Ital J Orthop Traumatol) Vol. 9 Issue 1 Pg. 67-70 (Mar 1983) ISSN: 0390-5489 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 6885391 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• calcium heparin
• Heparin

Topics

• Aged
• Heparin (therapeutic use)
• Hip Prosthesis (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Pulmonary Embolism (etiology, prevention & control)
• Thrombophlebitis (etiology, prevention & control)