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High-risk surgical patients routinely receive 4 weeks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. But whether prolonging VTE prophylaxis is of value in medical patients after acute care discharge is unclear.
Researchers conducted an industry-sponsored international double-blind study in 5000 patients (age, >40) with acute medical illnesses and anticipated immobility (level 1: bed rest without bathroom privileges; level 2: bed rest with bathroom privileges) for 3 to 6 days. All patients received 10 to 14 days of enoxaparin, regardless of length of hospital stay (including outpatient injections, if necessary) and were evaluated for VTE if symptoms developed. Patients then were randomized to receive an additional 28 days of enoxaparin or no fu…