Pre and postoperative DVT in Indian patients - Efficacy of LMWH as a prophylaxis agent

Background: DVT incidence in Southeast Asian countries has been presumed to be low. Method: The current article is based on a prospective study carried out on 130 patients of Indian origin. All patients were to undergo surgeries for fractures around the hip, THA or TKA. A pre operative CCDS was carried out to screen all the patients for pre existing DVT, followed by a postoperative CCDS at end of one week. All 100 enrolled patients received LMWH (Dalteparin Sodium) as a prophylaxis till CCDS. Results: 31/90 (34.44%) showed signs of postoperative DVT with a predominantly distal presentation. 29/130 (22.3%) of the screened patients showed signs of pre-existing DVT. DVT incidence was highest in TKA patients. Conclusion: Postoperative DVT is as common in the Indian population as any other parts of the world, significant number of patients have pre-existing DVT. LMWH helps reduce the rate and extent of postoperative DVT but does not give full protection. It is a safe and effective method for prophylaxis.