Prospective Study of Aspirin for Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of aspirin as prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to analyze the incidence of bleeding during the post-operative period. Methods:This prospective study carried out in 2017 consisted of 37 patients indicated for THA with high risk for DVT. Immediately after the procedure, aspirin, elastic compression socks and early deambulation were initiated. Doppler ultrasound was performed in the legs 6 days and 6 weeks post-procedure to rule out venous thromboembolism. Hematometric variables and clinical criteria were used to detect bleeding. Results:The incidence of VTE (venous thromboembolism) 6 days post-procedure was 21.6%. By 6 weeks post-procedure, it dropped to 8.1%, (p = 0.102). Only 2.7% were diagnosed with VTE, 6 days and also 6 weeks post-procedure. Within the immediate postoperative period, hemoglobin was lower (p < 0.001), in contrast to 6 weeks after surgery, when it returned to baseline levels. Conclusion:Aspirin was an effective chemical prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in high-risk patients who underwent THA. There was no clinical record of postoperative bleeding and hematometric levels suggested that there was no chronic bleeding. Level of Evidence II; Prospective study.

Effectiveness of Deep Venous Thrombosis Prevention in Total Hip Arthroplasty

“…In general, we found studies whose methods are similar to those adopted by Torres, Bautista and Lins, with incidences ranging from 0% to 3%. [10][11][12]…”

“…This finding is in line with the opinion of other authors who consider that the association with the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) increases its preventive power, 10 especially if used within the first 24 hours after surgery. 11 We found divergent opinions regarding the use of this protocol, as there is a fear that its application will not be enough to prevent DVT. 12 When consulting the literature, it is evident that it is not yet defined as to which drug agent actually has superiority in terms of collective efficacy and safety when compared to each other.…”

“…This finding is in line with the opinion of other authors who consider that the association with the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) increases its preventive power, 10 especially if used within the first 24 hours after surgery. ( 11 We found divergent opinions regarding the use of this protocol, as there is a fear that its application will not be enough to prevent DVT. ( 12 …”