The prophylactic use of anticoagulant therapy in the prevention of pulmonary emboli in one hundred consecutive spinal injury patients

Abstract

One hundred unselected consecutive patients with acute spinal injuries were admitted between 15·4·71 and 17·3·73. Sixty-eight patients received prophylactic anticoagulant therapy by means of Phenindione. The dose was between 25 and 100 mg. daily and the duration of treatment was 12 weeks. Thirty-two patients were rejected for treatment due to severe associated injuries or on medical grounds. In the treated group there were only four deep-vein thrombosis and one pulmonary embolus. In the untreated group, there were eight deep-vein thrombosis and four pulmonary emboli. There were few complications and treatment was only discontinued in six patients. The regime appears to convey considerable benefits in preventing deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. The regime, results and complications are discussed. © 1974, International Spinal Cord Society. All rights reserved.