An equivalence study of two low-molecular-weight heparins in the prevention and treatment of deep-vein thrombosis after total hip replacement

Abstract

Low-molecular-weight heparins have been evaluated against unfractionated heparin and have been shown to have clinical benefits in the perioperative setting during orthopedic surgery. Two low-molecular-weight heparins, tinzaparin and enoxaparin, were assessed for equivalency in efficacy and safety in 499 patients undergoing elective hip replacement. The two anticoagulants were found to be effective and safe in this setting in the specified patient type. No statistical difference was observed in the incidence of bleeding. Clinical side effects tended to be greater in patients with a higher body mass index, which could serve as a possible indicator for the risk of deep vein thrombosis.