Annals of internal medicine
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Efficacy and cost of low-molecular-weight heparin compared with standard heparin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty.
To compare the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of low-molecular-weight heparin with standard heparin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty. ⋯ Low-molecular-weight heparin is more effective and is at least as safe as standard heparin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty. Based on the current French price ratio of low-molecular-weight heparin to standard heparin, the use of low-molecular-weight heparin in North America would result in overall savings in cost; however, the relative cost-effectiveness is critically dependent on the price ratio between the two drugs. Further research is needed to compare the cost-effectiveness of low-molecular-weight heparin with other prophylactic regimens and postoperative deep vein thrombosis management strategies.