Authors' objectives:

This review aims to assess the available evidence on fondaparinux (Arixtra) for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after orthopedic surgery.

Authors' recommendations: Fondaparinux therapy for 5 to 9 days shows a lower risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as diagnosed by lower extremity venography, compared to low-molecular-weight heparin (Evidence grade 1). The patient benefit of this is, however, uncertain. Studies of cost effectiveness in short-term treatment are limited to analytical models that build on the premise of an association between DVT (as detected by venography) and serious events. There is some documentation showing that extended prophylaxis (up to 4 weeks) with fondaparinux - as with low-molecular-weight heparin - reduces the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to no treatment (Evidence grade 2). No studies have been published on the cost effectiveness of long-term prophylaxis with fondaparinux.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.sbu.se/Published

Year Published: 2004

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Sweden

Organisation Name: Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services

Contact Address: P.O. Box 3657, SE-103 59 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 8 4123200, Fax: +46 8 4113260

Contact Name: registrator@sbu.se

Contact Email: registrator@sbu.se

Copyright: Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU)