Anti-blood clot treatment 'crucial' for over 60s surgery patients

Posted on 2008-06-02 20:00:00 in Artificial & Replacement Organs & Tissues | Death and Dying | Drug Trends | Surgery |

Too few patients receive post-discharge therapy after hip or knee-replacement surgery, increasing the risk of life-threatening venous thrombosis, according to a new report.

Findings published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal indicate that venous thrombosis is one of the most common causes of death in hospital patients, despite the fact that elderly patients are 70 per cent less likely of dying within three months if administered an anticoagulant.

The researchers stated: "Compared with patients who did not receive thromboprophylaxis after discharge, those who received thromboprophylaxis after discharge were at lower risk of short-term mortality.

"Expert consensus guidelines recommend that patients receive thromboprophylaxis for at least ten days after knee-replacement surgery and from ten to 35 days following hip-replacement surgery."

The study investigated 10,000 people in Quebec over the age of 60. The condition is most common in people of this age bracket. It found that only one in five patients received therapy to prevent blood clotting.ADNFCR-1506-ID-18622074-ADNFCR


Health Headlines

Gut Bacteria May Promote Weight Gain
In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
Reduce Income Inequalities to Save Millions of Lives and Improve Quality of Life
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Chocolate May Slash Stress
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
Among Youngest Older Americans, Disability on the Rise
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Living to 100 Linked to Variant of Telomere Enzyme
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Keep Muscles Strong to Slash Risk of Cognitive Decline
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Cumulative Exposure to Common Infections May Raise Risk of Stroke
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
Chemical Present in Plastic Bottles, Canned Products Linked to Male Reproductive Problems
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Promote Walking to Encourage Healthy Habits
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Poor Leadership at Work Can Make Employees Sick
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »