Prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis with a low-molecular-weight heparin (Kabi 2165/Fragmin) in stroke patients

Abstract

In a group of 60 patients in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke the assumption that low-molecular-weight heparin Kabi 2165 in the dose of 2 X 2,500 anti-Xa units s.c. could prevent thromboembolic complications was tested using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial design. Thirty patients were allocated to each group. Both treatment groups were comparable with regard to neurological status and general condition. In the Kabi 2165 group there were 6 cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) compared to 15 in the placebo group (p = 0.05). In the placebo group there were 4 deaths during the trial versus 9 in the Kabi-2165-treated group (NS). Cerebral bleeding complicated 2 cases in the placebo group versus 4 in the Kabi 2165 group (NS). These results indicate that in ischemic stroke patients Kabi 2165 2 X 2,500 anti-Xa units s.c./24 h reduces the frequency of DVT. Because of the small number of patients it is impossible to evaluate the safety.