Document Detail


Low-molecular-weight heparin vs unfractionated heparin for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18574082     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: The relative benefits and harms of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) are required for judgments regarding the appropriate perioperative thromboprophylaxis in patients with cancer. We systematically reviewed the literature to quantify these effects. METHODS: The comprehensive searches included (1) an electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI the Web of Science, and CENTRAL (The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials); (2) a hand search of relevant conference proceedings; (3) a reference check of included trials; and (4) use of the PubMed "Related Articles" feature. Outcomes of interest included mortality, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, bleeding complications, and thrombocytopenia. RESULTS: Of 3986 identified citations, we included 14 randomized clinical trials in the meta-analysis (all using preoperative prophylactic anticoagulation). The overall methodological quality was moderate. The meta-analysis showed no differences in mortality in patients receiving LMWH compared with UFH (relative risk [RR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-1.28) or in clinically suspected deep venous thrombosis (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.23-2.28). In a post hoc analysis including all studies assessing deep venous thrombosis, irrespective of the diagnostic strategy used, LMWH was superior to UFH (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.94). There were no differences in rates of pulmonary embolism (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.22-1.64), minor bleeding (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.47-1.66), or major bleeding (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.51-1.77). CONCLUSIONS: We found no differences in mortality in patients with cancer receiving perioperative thromboprophylaxis with LMWH vs UFH. Further trials are needed to more carefully evaluate the benefits and harms of different heparin thromboprophylaxis strategies in this population.
Authors:
Elie A Akl; Irene Terrenato; Maddalena Barba; Francesca Sperati; Elena V Sempos; Paola Muti; Deborah J Cook; Holger J Schünemann
Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article; Meta-Analysis; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Archives of internal medicine     Volume:  168     ISSN:  1538-3679     ISO Abbreviation:  Arch. Intern. Med.     Publication Date:  2008 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-06-24     Completed Date:  2008-07-08     Revised Date:  2008-12-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0372440     Medline TA:  Arch Intern Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1261-9     Citation Subset:  AIM; IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center CC-142, 462 Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA. elieakl@buffalo.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
Heparin
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
Humans
Neoplasms / complications*
Perioperative Care
Thrombosis / etiology,  prevention & control*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Anticoagulants; 0/Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; 9005-49-6/Heparin
Comments/Corrections
Comment In:
ACP J Club. 2008 Dec 16;149(6):11   [PMID:  19071877 ]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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