Comparison of 3,000 and 5,000 IU aXa/day certoparin in the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after total hip replacement

BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate, whether 5,000 IUaXa/day certoparin lowers the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery vs. 3,000 IUaXa/day. Double-blind, multicenter, randomised trial in 500 patients. Primary endpoint: incidence of symptomatic or asymptomatic DVT (bilateral ascending venography). RESULTS: Mean age was 71 ± 10 years with a higher prevalence of previous DVT (8vs.4%) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (4vs.1%) in the high dose group. Mean duration of surgery was 82 ± 32 and 85 ± 36 min. DVT was detected in 28 (11.1%) of the low dose and 35 (14.1%) of the high dose group (p = n.s.). Combined distal-proximal DVT was observed in 5 (2%) and 4 (1.6%) patients respectively. No difference in bleeding events was found. CONCLUSION: This trial confirms prior data showing that the conventional dosage of 3,000 IU aXa is effective and safe for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events after hip replacement surgery.