Loading...
The synthetic pentasaccharide fondaparinux acts through selective inhibition of factor Xa, has no direct action against thrombin, and has no animal components. Previous results suggest that fondaparinux is more effective than low-molecular-weight heparin for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hip-fracture or major knee surgery (Journal Watch Cardiology Nov 30 2001).
In 2 other manufacturer-supported, international trials, investigators compared fondaparinux with enoxaparin for VTE prevention after elective hip-replacement surgery. In the EPHESUS trial, 2309 patients were randomized to once-daily subcutaneous injections either of fondaparinux (2.5 mg) starting postoperatively or of enoxaparin (40 mg) starting preoperatively. The ra…