Low‐molecular‐weight heparin in the management of Tyrousseau's syndrome

D Walsh‐McMonagle, D Green - … International Journal of the …, 1997 - Wiley Online Library
D Walsh‐McMonagle, D Green
Cancer: Interdisciplinary International Journal of the American …, 1997Wiley Online Library
BACKGROUND Thrombophlebitis migrans is a major cause of morbidity in approximately
11% of patients with cancer. Thrombosis may predate the appearance of malignancy, and
patients with thrombosis often respond poorly to warfarin. METHODS Four patients with
extensive thrombosis and cancer are described in this article. Enoxaparin, a low‐molecular‐
weight heparin, was administered subcutaneously to these patients for 5, 6, 26, and 27
months, respectively. The literature on the management of Trousseau's syndrome was …
BACKGROUND
Thrombophlebitis migrans is a major cause of morbidity in approximately 11% of patients with cancer. Thrombosis may predate the appearance of malignancy, and patients with thrombosis often respond poorly to warfarin.
METHODS
Four patients with extensive thrombosis and cancer are described in this article. Enoxaparin, a low‐molecular‐weight heparin, was administered subcutaneously to these patients for 5, 6, 26, and 27 months, respectively. The literature on the management of Trousseau's syndrome was reviewed and analyzed.
RESULTS
All four patients remained free of venous thromboembolism while being treated with low‐molecular‐weight heparin, acutely and during follow‐up. Previously published studies suggest that therapy with low‐molecular‐weight heparin results in lower mortality than standard heparin therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Further study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low‐molecular‐weight heparin for both prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolism in association with malignancy may lead to decreased morbidity and better quality of life for patients with this disorder. Cancer 1997; 80:649‐55. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
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