Cost-effectiveness of prevention of venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal vascular disease that affects more than 170,000 patients in the USA every year. All hospitalized patients are at an increased risk of developing VTE and subsequent pulmonary embolus. There is growing literature concentrating on the cost-effectiveness of preventing VTE occurring. So far recommendations have been conflicting and research has not explored the use of VTE prophylaxis in low-risk patient groups. Comparisons between low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) and unfractionated heparins have revealed that LMWHs are superior not only in action but also in cost-effectiveness. In elective surgery, patients who require long-term anticoagulation bridging therapy with LMWH at home have shown comparable safety and efficacy and the method is far less costly than inpatient bridging therapy with unfractionated heparin.