Key result
Adding dihydroergotamine to low-dose heparin fails to reduce venous thrombosis after elective hip replacement.
Why the study?
The comparative efficacy of low dose heparin alone versus low dose heparin combined with dihydroergotamine for prevention of venous thrombosis after elective hip replacement was uncertain.
Does the addition of dihydroergotamine to low dose heparin prevent venous thrombosis in patients having elective hip replacement?
Population
117 patients having elective hip replacement
Comparison
Low dose heparin plus dihydroergotamine vs low dose heparin alone
Design
Randomised double-blind trial
Follow-up
7 days
Authors
Loading...
No benefit from adding dihydroergotamine to low-dose heparin after hip replacement; supports heparin monotherapy for VTE prophylaxis in elective orthopedic surgery.
RCT (n=117)
Double-blind
randomised
Does the addition of dihydroergotamine to low dose heparin prevent venous thrombosis in patients having elective hip replacement?
Effect estimate: difference 10% (95% CI -7 to 26)
Absolute Event Rate: 34% vs 24%
p-value: p=0.34
The addition of dihydroergotamine to low dose heparin does not significantly reduce the incidence of venous thrombosis compared to heparin alone after elective hip replacement.
Gallus et al. (1992) conducted an RCT in elective hip replacement (n=117). low dose heparin plus dihydroergotamine (DHE) vs. low dose heparin alone (5,000 IU subcutaneously 8 hourly) was evaluated on venous thrombosis (VT) discovered through bilateral ascending venography on the seventh postoperative day (difference 10%, 95% CI -7 to 26, p=0.34). Low dose heparin plus dihydroergotamine did not significantly reduce venous thrombosis compared to heparin alone after elective hip replacement (34% vs 24%; difference 10%, 95% CI -7 to 26%; p=0.34).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: