The efficacy and safety of enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after acute ischaemic stroke (PREVAIL Study): an open-label randomised comparison

David G Sherman, Gregory W Albers, Christopher Bladin, Cesare Fieschi, Alberto Gabbai, Carlos S Kase, William O'Riordan, Graham Pineo, on behalf of the PREVAIL Investigators

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289 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin is recommended in acute ischaemic stroke, but which regimen provides optimum treatment is uncertain. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin with that of unfractionated heparin for patients with stroke. METHODS: 1762 patients with acute ischaemic stroke who were unable to walk unassisted were randomly assigned within 48 h of symptoms to receive either enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously once daily or unfractionated heparin 5000 U subcutaneously every 12 h for 10 days (range 6-14). Patients were stratified by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (severe stroke > or =14, less severe stroke
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1347-1355
Number of pages9
JournalThe Lancet
Volume369
Issue number9570
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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