Background Standard venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis with enoxaparin results in inadequate protection in certain patients, with sub-therapeutic plasma anti-Xa levels associated with elevated VTE rates. We hypothesized that many trauma patients would be sub-therapeutic on the standard prophylactic dose of enoxaparin. Our goal was to adjust the enoxaparin dose to achieve target anti-Xa levels to take advantage of the drug based on its pharmacologic properties. Methods Patients admitted to the trauma service were included if they received at least 3 doses of prophylactic enoxaparin and underwent at least 2 screening venous duplex. Peak plasma anti-Xa levels ≤ 0.2 IU/ml were considered low and the dose was increased by 10mg bid until adequate anti-Xa levels were obtained. A strict screening venous duplex protocol was followed. Patients were excluded if they were diagnosed with a DVT prior to beginning enoxaparin or did not have correctly timed anti-Xa levels. Results Sixty-one trauma patients met inclusion criteria. There were 3 patients diagnosed with VTE (4.9%). Patients had a mean age of 45.9 years and were predominantly male (70.5%). Of the 61 patients, 18 (29.5%) had therapeutic anti-Xa levels on standard enoxaparin 30mg bid. Compared to patients who had therapeutic anti-Xa levels on enoxaparin 30mg bid, the 43 patients (70.5%) who were sub-therapeutic were more likely to be male, have larger body weight, and larger body surface area. There were no significant bleeding events in the group that received an enoxaparin dose adjustment. Conclusions A majority of patients had sub-therapeutic anti-Xa levels while on enoxaparin 30mg bid suggesting inadequate VTE prophylaxis. The need for routine use of a higher dose of prophylactic enoxaparin in trauma patients and the effects of routinely dose adjusting enoxaparin on VTE rates should be the study of future prospective, randomized trials.

Therapeutic/care management study, level II.

Objective. To assess the impact of high-fidelity patient simulation on pharmacy resident knowledge, confidence, and competency with advanced resuscitation algorithms and interventions.Design. An overview of the institutional cardiopulmonary arrest algorithm and a review of pertinent medications and calculations were presented to postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents, followed by participation in 3 simulated clinical scenarios using a high-fidelity mannequin.Assessment. An improvement of pharmacy resident knowledge, confidence, and competency with advanced resuscitation skills was observed. In addition, pharmacy residents demonstrated high performance levels with skills requiring advanced competency and proactive interactions with the cardiac arrest team. Conclusion. Incorporating high-fidelity patient simulation into an advanced resuscitation training program can help pharmacy residents achieve competency through the active learning of practical skills.