Low-dose heparin in proximal femoral fractures: Failure to prevent deep-vein thrombosis

Abstract

The effect of heparin, 5000 units every 8 hours, on deep venous thrombosis in patients with proximal femoral fractures was investigated in a controlled, double blind, randomised study. Heparin or placebo was administered as soon as possible after the fracture, and before 6 hours had passed, and was continued for 14 days. the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis was made using daily I125 fibrinogen scans. A total of 130 patients entered the trial and the results were registered on a sequential diagram. This showed that the 0-hypothesis could not be rejected, and that consequently no difference in the frequency of deep-vein thrombosis was detected. © 1981 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.