Choosing the Right Heparin Prophylaxis Strategy in Medical Patients at Risk for Developing VTE: An Evidence-Based Approach

Many acutely ill medical patients are at significant risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) during hospitalization. Venous thromboembolism risk arises from both the presenting clinical condition as well as predisposing risk factors, such as advanced age. Thromboprophylaxis is underprescribed in these patients. Thrombotic risk assessment could encourage the prescribing of thromboprophylaxis and, therefore, improve patient protection against VTE. Current guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians and the International Union of Angiology (IUA) recommend thromboprophylaxis with low-dose unfractionated heparin (UFH), a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), or fondaparinux for acutely ill medical patients with VTE risk factors. However, the optimal dose regimen for UFH is unclear. The 2006 evidence-based guidelines from the IUA recommend a 3-times-daily dose regimen for UFH. However, UFH is usually administered twice daily despite a lack of evidence for the superiority of this regimen. Both heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and bleeding are associated with UFH, and to a lesser degree with alternative anticoagulants, such as the LMWHs. If utilized, an appropriate prophylaxis regimen in medical patients can reduce the risk of VTE and its burden.