Enoxaparin prophylaxis in elderly medical inpatients was associated with minimal bleeding and rare clinical events, including 1.4% venous thromboembolism and 3.5% minor bleeding.
Observational (n=142)
No
Does enoxaparin safely prevent venous thromboembolism in elderly medical inpatients?
A retrospective audit of elderly medical inpatients receiving enoxaparin prophylaxis demonstrated low rates of VTE (1.4%) and minimal bleeding (3.5% minor, 0% major), supporting its safety and high guideline compliance in this population.
Abstract The recent NEJM Evidence trial questioned the benefit of enoxaparin for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention among older hospitalised medical patients. We conducted a retrospective, observational audit of 142 elderly inpatients at a large Australian tertiary institution; most received enoxaparin unless contraindicated, with excellent adherence to guidelines. Clinical events were rare with two VTE (1.4%) and five minor bleeds (3.5%) recorded and no major bleeding observed. Approximately 10% of patients were ambulant and prescribed thromboprophylaxis outside guideline criteria, yet bleeding rates were low. Our findings suggest high guideline compliance and minimal bleeding associated with enoxaparin prophylaxis in this population. There is a need for simple and practical risk stratification tools with clear ambulation definitions, routine mobility assessments where appropriate and consideration of patient‐accepted approaches such as oral thromboprophylaxis options.
Bortz et al. (Mon,) conducted a observational in elderly medical inpatients (n=142). enoxaparin was evaluated on venous thromboembolism (VTE). Enoxaparin prophylaxis in elderly medical inpatients was associated with minimal bleeding and rare clinical events, including 1.4% venous thromboembolism and 3.5% minor bleeding.