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Thrombosis

Choose thigh-length compression stockings for DVT prevention

Nature Reviews Cardiology volume 7, page 665 (2010)Cite this article

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Antithrombotic medications are the mainstay of preventative therapy for deep-vein thrombosis (DVT); however, these drugs are associated with an increased risk of bleeding and are contraindicated in some patients, including those who have experienced a stroke. Mechanical methods of DVT prophylaxis such as compression stockings are an alternative strategy for these patients. However, the effectiveness and optimum length of compression stockings has not been established.

The CLOTS investigators have now reported that thigh-length stockings reduce the risk of DVT by 31% when compared with below-knee stockings among immobile, hospitalized patients with stroke. “This is worrying since most of the stockings used by health services are short,” says CLOTS investigator Martin Dennis. “This may be wasting huge amounts of money and, even worse, providing patients with less than optimal prophylaxis”.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER

  1. The CLOTS Trial Collaboration. Thigh-length versus below-knee stockings for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after stroke: a randomized trial. Ann. Intern. Med. doi:10.1059/0003-4819-153-9-201011020-00280/

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  1. Alexandra King
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King, A. Choose thigh-length compression stockings for DVT prevention. Nat Rev Cardiol 7, 665 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2010.171

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