High versus low doses of unfractionated heparin for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg. A prospective, controlled, randomized study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The optimal treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg is undefined. The main study objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of unmonitored high doses as compared to low doses of unfractionated heparin (UFH) for prevention of venous thromboembolic complications in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis of the thigh.

DESIGN AND METHODS:

Sixty consecutive patients with acute thrombophlebitis of the great saphenous vein, as assessed by ultrasonography, were randomized to subcutaneous injection twice daily of UFH in high unmonitored doses (12,500 IU for one week followed by 10,000 IU) or prophylactic doses (5,000 IU) for four weeks. The rate of asymptomatic involvement of the deep venous system and/or symptomatic thromboembolic events during a six-month follow-up period was assessed and compared between the two study groups.

RESULTS:

Six of the 30 patients (20.0 %; 95% CI, 7.7 to 38.6) randomized to low-dose UFH developed symptomatic or asymptomatic events as compared to 1 of the 30 patients (3.3%; 95% CI, 0.07 to 17.2) who received high-dose UFH (p=0.05 by one-sided Fisher's exact test). No patient experienced major bleeding complications in either group.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study suggest that in patients with acute thrombophlebitis of the thigh unmonitored high doses of UFH are more effective than prophylactic doses of UFH for prevention of venous thromboembolic complications and do not enhance the risk of bleeding complications.

• Authors: Antonio Marchiori, Fabio Verlato, Paola Sabbion, Giuseppe Camporese, Federica Rosso, Laura Mosena, Giuseppe Maria Andreozzi, Paolo Prandoni
• Journal: Haematologica (Haematologica) Vol. 87 Issue 5 Pg. 523-7 (May 2002) ISSN: 0390-6078 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 12010667 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Heparin

Topics

• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Hemorrhage (chemically induced)
• Heparin (administration & dosage, toxicity)
• Humans
• Leg (blood supply)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Saphenous Vein (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Thrombophlebitis (complications, drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography