Does venous thromboembolism prophylaxis affect the risk of venous thromboembolism and adverse events following primary hip and knee replacement? A retrospective cohort study

Background

The optimum chemical venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylactic agents following total hip and knee replacement (THR and TKR) remain unknown. NICE recommends multiple agents, including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and aspirin. We assessed whether VTE prophylaxis affected the risk of VTE and adverse events following primary THR and TKR.

Materials and methods

We reviewed 982 elective primary THRs (59%) and TKRs (41%) at a large tertiary centre during 2018. The primary outcome was any VTE (DVT and/or PE) within 90-days. Secondary outcomes were adverse events within 90-days (major bleeding and wound complications). The association between VTE prophylaxis and outcomes was assessed.

Results

The overall prevalence of VTE and adverse events were 2.7% (n = 27) and 15.2% (n = 136) respectively. The most common agents used were DOAC ± LMWH (50.7%, n = 498), followed by aspirin ± LMWH (35.5%, n = 349) and LMWH alone (4.7%, n = 46). The risk of VTE (aspirin ± LMWH = 3.7%, DOAC = 2.0%, LMWH = 2.2%) was not significantly different between agents (p = 0.294). The risk of any adverse event was significantly higher (p < 0.001) with aspirin ± LMWH (16.1%; n = 56) and LMWH (28.3%; n = 13) compared with DOACs ± LMWH (7.0%; n = 35) in TKRs only, there was no differences between agents for adverse events in THRs (p = 0.644).

Conclusions

Choice of thromboprophylaxis did not influence the risk of VTE following primary THR and TKR. DOACs (+/- LMWH) were associated with the lowest risk of adverse events. Large multicentre trials are still needed to assess the efficacy and safety of these agents following THR and TKR.

A well-being programme in severe mental illness. Baseline findings in a UK cohort

INTRODUCTION

Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality than the general population. In the UK, data were limited regarding the known prevalence of physical health screening of SMI patients.

AIMS

A total of 966 patients with SMI from seven geographically varied regions in the UK agreed to participate in a 2-year nurse-led intervention (Well-being Support Programme), designed to improve their overall physical health by providing basic physical health checks, health promotion advice, weight management and physical activity groups in secondary care.

RESULTS

At baseline, only 31% of participants had undergone a recent physical health check. There were high rates of obesity (BMI > 30 in 49%), glucose abnormalities (12.4%), hypertension/prehypertension (50%), hyperlipidaemia (71%), poor diet (32%), low exercise levels (37.4%) and smoking (50%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SMI where healthcare professionals have concerns regarding their physical health, have potentially modifiable risk factors for CVD, which remain undiagnosed. Programmes designed to address the physical health problems in SMI need to be implemented and evaluated in this already marginalised group of people.

The landing of the NEAR-Shoemaker spacecraft on asteroid 433 Eros

The NEAR-Shoemaker spacecraft was designed to provide a comprehensive characterization of the S-type asteroid 433 Eros (refs 1,2,3), an irregularly shaped body with approximate dimensions of 34 x 13 x 13 km. Following the completion of its year-long investigation, the mission was terminated with a controlled descent to its surface, in order to provide extremely high resolution images. Here we report the results of the descent on 12 February 2001, during which 70 images were obtained. The landing area is marked by a paucity of small craters and an abundance of 'ejecta blocks'. The properties and distribution of ejecta blocks are discussed in a companion paper. The last sequence of images reveals a transition from the blocky surface to a smooth area, which we interpret as a 'pond'. Properties of the 'ponds' are discussed in a second companion paper. The closest image, from an altitude of 129 m, shows the interior of a 100-m-diameter crater at 1-cm resolution.

The neurochemical basis for the applications of the greater omentum in neurosurgery

The omentum has been utilized in neurosurgery for over 30 years. However, the anatomical and physiological bases for its applications have not been described in great detail. In this paper, we will review the current status of the omentum applications for the management of central nervous system disorders.

Pass the Royal College examinations. MCQ technique

Trainee doctors can fail Royal College exams as a result of poor multiple choice question technique. On a negatively marked exam it is possible for candidate to know a subject well, answer 72% of the questions correctly, and yet still only obtain a mark of 44%. As a result, even some very good clinicians fail these exams.

The Royal College examinations: preparation and practice

Membership examinations are complex and difficult. Important practical issues must be considered at an early stage, and you can improve upon your chance of success by addressing your learning style, revision strategy and examination technique.

MRCPsych examination technique: the short answer question paper

Many candidates expect to pass the short answer question paper of the MRCPsych Part II examination using a straightforward regurgitation of facts. They are surprised by the need for good technique in order to do well in this paper.