Clinical Utility of a Rapid Whole-Blood D-Dimer Assay in Patients with Cancer Who Present with Suspected Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis

Article Abstract:

The negative predictive value of a D-dimer assay used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis is usually reliable, but not in patients with cancer. A total of 1,068 consecutive patients who were suspected of deep vein thrombosis were given a D-dimer assay for diagnostic purposes. Deep venous thrombosis was found in 48.8% of the 121 patients with cancer, and in 14.6% of the 947 patients without cancer. Sensitivity was similar in both groups of patients, but the negative predictive value were much lower in the group with cancer than the group without (78.9% vs. 96.5%).

Diagnosis, Thrombosis, Deep vein, Deep vein thrombosis, Medical testing products, Diagnostic reagents and test kits, Diagnostic reagents

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Low-molecular-weight heparin versus a coumarin for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer

Article Abstract:

Daily subcutaneous injections of the drug Fragmin may be more effective than an oral anticoagulant drug in preventing recurring blood clot formation in cancer patients, according to a study of 672 patients. Cancer patients have an increased risk of developing blood clots, but they often cannot take an oral anticoagulant drug for various reasons. Fragmin belongs to a group of drugs called low-molecular-weight heparins.

United States, Product information, Pharmaceutical industry, Product/Service Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Cancer, Pharmacia Inc., Fragmin (Medication)

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A comparison of two intensities of warfarin for the prevention of recurrent thrombosis in patients with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Article Abstract:

Patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome should take a dose of warfarin that will achieve an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2 to 3, according to a study of 114 patients. Higher doses will not be more effective and could increase the risk of bleeding. Patients with this syndrome have a high risk of abnormal blood clot formation and must take an anticoagulant drug such as warfarin to prevent this.

Drug therapy, Dosage and administration, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Warfarin

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