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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2000; 21(6): 477-486
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-13189
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Venous Thromboembolism: Risk Factors and Prophylaxis

Rita Selby1 , William H. Geerts2
  • In recent years, Dr. Geerts has received research funding from Aventis Pharma and Pharmacia, manufacturers of anticoagulant drugs. However, in the article, no specific drug is named or recommended.
  • 1Division of Hematology, Departments of Medicine and Health Administration, Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research Unit, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Division of Respiratory Diseases and the Thromboembolism Program, Departments of Medicine and Health Administration, Clinical Epidemiology and Health Services Research Unit, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism is a common disease in the community and the most frequent preventable cause of hospital death. Acquired and inherited risk factors for thrombosis have been extensively studied over the past two decades. These factors and the clinical setting allow the stratification of most hospitalized patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups. For patients in the moderate- and high-risk categories, routine thromboprophylaxis can decrease the morbidity and mortality from thromboembolic complications as well as reduce patient care expenditures. Low-dose heparin is generally the most appropriate prophylaxis for moderate-risk patients, and either low molecular weight heparin or adjusted-dose warfarin is generally the most appropriate for high-risk patients.

KEYWORD

Thromboembolism - risk factors - prophylaxis

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