Use of Antiembolic Stockings and Pneumatic Compression Devices in ICU Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Zytaruk N, Heels-Ansdell D, Vallance S, Marshall J, Skrobik Y, Cooper DJ, Finfer S, Seppelt I, Ostermann M, Qushmaq I, Alsultan M, Arabi Y, Alhashemi J, Al-Hazmi M, Alzem A, Shaikh N, Mandourah Y, Cook DJ
Primary Institution: McMaster University
Hypothesis
The study aimed to document the use of antiembolic stockings and pneumatic compression devices in a trial comparing different anticoagulants in medical-surgical ICU patients.
Conclusion
The use of mechanical thromboprophylaxis was brief and mainly reserved for when heparin was contraindicated, suggesting minimal impact on the trial results.
Supporting Evidence
- 3,659 patients were enrolled with a median ICU stay of 9 days.
- 17.1% of patients used antiembolic stockings per protocol for 1 day.
- 11.1% of patients used pneumatic compression devices per protocol for 1 day.
Takeaway
Doctors used special stockings and devices to prevent blood clots in patients, but only for a short time and mostly when they couldn't use blood thinners.
Methodology
A total of 3,659 patients were recruited, and daily exposure to study drugs and mechanical prophylaxis was documented.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on the use of mechanical thromboprophylaxis and did not assess its effectiveness in detail.
Participant Demographics
Patients were from various international ICUs, but specific demographics were not detailed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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