The effect of cold on the occurrence of bruising, haematoma and pain at the injection site in subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of local dry cold application on the occurrence of bruising, haematoma and pain at the injection site in subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin injections. The research involved 63 patients who had received 2 x 20 mg enoxaparine and who were divided into four treatment groups. In the first group, cold was not applied. Cold was applied to the injection site for 5 min before the injection in the second group, and for 5 min after the injection in the third group. In the fourth group, it was applied to the injection site for 5 min pre and post injection. Following each injection, the patients' pain intensity and duration were measured, and the presence of bruise and haematoma were measured at 48 and 72 h after the injection. Results showed that a haematoma did not occur at the injection site of any subject, and there was no significant difference in the incidence or size of bruise among the groups; however, the subjects' perception of pain was significantly less with ice application. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.