Open AccessRisk‐Stratified Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis after Total Joint Arthroplasty: Low Molecular Weight Heparins and Sequential Aspirin vs Aggressive Chemoprophylaxis
Author(s) -
Peng Huiming,
Chen Xi,
Wang Yiou,
Bian Yanyan,
Feng Bin,
Wang Wei,
Weng Xisheng,
Qian Wenwei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
orthopaedic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.666
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 1757-7861
pISSN - 1757-7853
DOI - 10.1111/os.12926
Subject(s) - medicine , cohort , chemoprophylaxis , deep vein , aspirin , surgery , pulmonary embolism , venous thrombosis , medical record , thrombosis
Objective Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant concern post total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, the optimal prevention method of VTE remains controversial at present. This study aims to evaluate a risk‐stratified VTE prophylaxis protocol for patients undergoing TJA. Methods A total of 891 TJA patients from January 2011 to November 2019 were retrospectively investigated. The study was divided into two cohorts. In cohort 1, 410 patients (250 females and 160 males, mean age 64.32 years) were treated with an aggressive VTE chemoprophylaxis protocol. In cohort 2, 481 patients were treated with a risk‐stratified protocol that utilized low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and sequential aspirin (ASA) for standard‐risk patients (a total of 288 containing 177 females and 111 males, mean age 65.4 years), and targeted anticoagulation for high‐risk patients (a total of 193 containing 121 females and 72 males, mean age 66.8 years). The patients were followed up at 2–4 weeks for an initial visit and at 6–10 weeks for a subsequent visit after surgery. A chart review of all patient medical records was performed to record the demographics, comorbidities, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, superficial infection, deep infection, bleeding complications, and 90‐day readmissions. Results The VTE rate was 1.71% (7/410) in cohort 1 and 1.46% (7/481) in cohort 2 respectively. For cohort 2, the VTE rate was 2.07% (4/193) in high‐risk group and 1.04% (3/288) in standard‐risk group. The readmission rate was 2.44% (10/410) in cohort 1 and 2.08% (10/481) in cohort 2. For cohort 2, the readmission rate was 2.07% (4/193) in high‐risk group and 2.08% (6/288) in standard‐risk group. The reasons for readmission were as follows: infection, 1.3% (5/410) in cohort 1 and 1.3% (6/481) in cohort 2; wound or bleeding complications, 0.48% (2/410) in cohort 1 and 0.2% (1/481) in cohort 2; trauma, 0.2% (1/410) in cohort 1 and 0.2% (1/481) in cohort 2; VTE, 0.2% (1/410) in cohort 1 and 0.2% (1/481) in cohort 2; others, 0.2% (1/410) in cohort 1 and 0.6% (3/481) in cohort 2. There was a decrease in VTE events and readmissions in the risk‐stratified cohort, although this did not reach statistical significance. However, it was found that there was a significant reduction in costs ( P < 0.001) with the use of LMWH/ASA, when compared with aggressive anticoagulation agents in the risk‐stratified cohort. Conclusion The use of LMWH/ASA in a risk‐stratified TJA population is a safe and cost‐effective method of VTE prophylaxis.