Abstract.
The treatment and secondary prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, a common complication in patients with malignant glioma, has remained controversial. We treated 11 patients with malignant glioma and DVT prospectively with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at 175 IU/kg for 10 days and then for 3 months at 100 IU/kg. No patient developed bleeding complications or any other severe side effects of LMWH treatment. Two patients had a dose reduction of LMWH to 75 IU/kg because of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. One patient developed progressive DVT and nonlethal pulmonary embolism on day 14 of LMWH 100 IU/kg. After increasing the dose to 175 IU/kg he had no further recurrence. One patient had recurrence of DVT after a fracture of the leg affected by DVT at 8 months after the diagnosis of DVT and 5 months after the end of LMWH therapy. LMWH therapy may be safe and effective in the treatment and secondary prophylaxis of DVT in patients with malignant glioma.
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Received: 4 January 2002, Received in revised form: 18 April 2002, Accepted: 23 April 2002
Correspondence to Dr. F. Schmidt
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Schmidt, F., Faul, C., Dichgans, J. et al. Low molecular weight heparin for deep vein thrombosis in glioma patients. J Neurol 249, 1409–1412 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-002-0855-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-002-0855-5