Reduction in Venous Thromboembolism by Agents Affecting Platelet Function

The protection against venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism afforded by three drugs affecting platelet function was assessed in a controlled study of 169 patients undergoing vitallium-mold arthroplasty of the hip. The prophylactic administration of dipyridamole, aspirin and dextran was compared with the effects of warfarin. Thromboembolic complications occurred in six of 43 patients who received warfarin, nine of 34 receiving dipyridamole, six of 43 receiving aspirin and six of 49 receiving dextran. These results with aspirin, dextran and warfarin, but not dipyridamole, are better than those in an untreated group previously reported (26 thromboembolic complications in 67 patients). The frequency of bleeding complications did not differ in the four groups.