DIPYRIDAMOLE-ASPIRIN VERSUS LOW-DOSES OF HEPARIN IN THE PROPHYLAXIS OF DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS IN ABDOMINAL-SURGERY

The comparative effects of a combination of dipyridamole and aspirin (D-ASA) and of low doses of heparin (H) on the prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis (D.V.T.) in abdominal surgery were studied. One hundred and forty six patients were randomized into three groups : controls (n = 66), D-ASA (n = 38), H (n = 42). Dipyridamole (30 mg) and ASA (300 mg) were administered intra-venously two hours before surgery and then three times a day for the first 2-3 days. These drugs were then taken orally three times a day in tablets containing dipyridamole (50 mg) and ASA (330 mg). Heparin (5000 IU) was given subcutaneously twice a day. Treatment was begun two hours pre-operatively. D.V.T. was detected by the 125 I fibrinogen method. The treated groups, studied together, present a lower incidence of D.V.T. (8%) than the control group (21%) (P < 0.05); the difference between the H (7.1%) and D-ASA groups (7.9%) is not significant. Thus, the D-ASA combination appears as effective as subcutaneous heparin for the prophylaxis of D.V.T. in abdominal surgery. © 1979.