A One Year Randomized Control Trial Study To Compare Low Molecular Weight Heparin And Unfractionated Heparin In The Rate Of Reduction Of Lower Limb Girth In A Case Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Background and objectives Low Molecular Weight Heparin has emerged as a new generation of drug, which is reported to be as safe and efficacious as unfractionated heparins. This study was aimed to compare Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) and Unfractionated Heparins (UFH) in the rate of reduction in lower limb girth in a case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methodology This one year randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belagavi from January 2016 to December 2016. A total of 60 patients with lower limb swelling, and diagnosed to have DVT were divided into two groups of 30 each as group A (treatment with LMWH by subcutaneous route) and group B (Treatment with UFH by intravenous infusion). Results Majority of the patients (76.67%) males. The male to female ratio was 3.2:1. (p=1.000). The mean age in group A and group B was also comparable (44.43±15.12 vs 45.13±13.45 years;p=0.850). The other pre treatment characteristics of the study population were comparable (p> 0.050) in both the groups. In patients with group A, the mean calf girth before treatment was 35.34±2.98 cms which reduced to 30.91±2.07 cms after treatment. In group B, the mean calf girth before treatment was 34.55±4.48 cms which reduced to 30.28±3.69 cms after treatment. However, the mean calf girth at all the intervals that is 6,12,24,48,72 and 96 as well as after treatment was comparable in group A and group B (p>0.050). The mean percentage rate of reduction in calf girth before and after treatment was slightly high in group A compared to group B (12.35±3.31 vs 12.16±3.13 percent; p=0.817) but same was not true statistically. Conclusion and interpretation The LMWH is as effective as UFH in the treatment of DVT as measured by rate of reduction in lower limb girth