Efficacy of therapy and secondary prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin

Abstract

Background: There is a strong correlation between deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurrence and some malignant diseases. So far, no principles of management with patients who present DVT, during the course of cancer, have been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment and secondary prophylaxis with LMWH in patients with malignancy complicated by venous thrombosis.
Material and methods: A group of 20 patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis (studied group-SG), in whom DVT was accompanied by cancer, and one of 30 patients with proximal DVT without malignancy jedsymptoms (control group-CG) were studied. The treatment protocol assumed DVT treatment with LMWH (nadroparin) during a 6-month period in both groups. The drug was administered subcutaneously in a twice daily dose 0.1 ml per 10 kg every 12 hours for the first 10 days and subsequently 0.1 ml per 10 kg once daily for a 6-month period. The assessment of treatment results was based on venography and Doppler ultrasound scans. The incidence of complications was analyzed.
Results: The study results showed no statistically significant differences in the treatment results between both groups. The lack of complete venous vessel recanalization was indicated in both groups after a 6-month therapy. No serious complications in either group was observed.
Conclusions: Our current study suggests that LMWH in secondary prophylaxis, in a dose equal to half of the therapeutic dose, is a safe and effective alternative to oral anticoagulants in patients with coexisting malignant disease.