Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Chemoprophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the inpatient setting is a critical aspect of medical care. Subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the most predominantly utilized medication for chemical VTE prophylaxis. Patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 have a 2-3 fold increased risk of developing a VTE. Obesity affects approximately 35% of the United States population, thus highlighting the need for an established dosing recommendation in obese patients receiving UFH for VTE prophylaxis.
Methods: A SQL query will be performed to identify all inpatients who received UFH 5000 units subcutaneously three times daily for VTE prophylaxis from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018. Once identified, they will be categorized based on BMI into the control group (BMI < 30 kg/m2) or the study group (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Subsequently, diagnosis code reports will be run to identify patients who developed VTE during hospitalization despite prophylactic doses of UFH. The rates of clinically significant bleeding requiring withholding of heparin prophylaxis and transfusion of blood products after initiation of subcutaneous heparin will also be reviewed.
Results: not applicable
Conclusion: not applicable
Mary Clarkson
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Memphis VAMC, Memphis, TN127 Views