What is the benefit of prophylactic-dose subcutaneous heparin in patients with AIS?
The benefit of prophylactic-dose subcutaneous heparin (unfractionated heparin [UFH] or LMWH) in patients with AIS is not well established. A meta-analysis including a study of 2867 patients in 94 centers in the United Kingdom compared the use of IPC with routine care and no IPC with routine care in immobile stroke patients for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The results showed that patients treated with IPC had a statistically significant improvement in survival to 6 months, but no improvement in disability. However, this benefit is not well established. Contraindications to IPC include leg conditions such as dermatitis, gangrene, severe edema, venous stasis, severe peripheral vascular disease, postoperative vein ligation, or grafting, as well as existing swelling or other signs of an existing DVT.