Postoperative fondaparinux versus preoperative enoxaparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism in elective hip-replacement surgery: a randomised double-blind comparison

Background Despite use of thromboprophylaxis, elective hip-replacement surgery carries a high risk of venous thromboembolic complications. We aimed to assess the ability of the pentasaccharide fondaparinux, the first of a new class of synthetic antithrombotic agents, to further reduce this risk. Methods In a double-blind study, we randomly assigned 2309 consecutive patients aged 18 years or older who were undergoing elective hip-replacement surgery to once daily, subcutaneous injections of either 2•5 mg fondaparinux, starting postoperatively, or 40 mg enoxaparin, starting preoperatively. The primary efficacy outcome was venous thromboembolism up to day 11, defined as deep-vein thrombosis detected by mandatory bilateral venography, documented symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis, or documented symptomatic pulmonary embolism. The main safety outcomes were bleeding and death. The duration of follow-up was 6 weeks. Analysis was per protocol. Findings We assessed the primary efficacy outcome in 1827 (79%) of 2309 patients. By day 11, venous thrombo-embolisms were recorded in 37 (4%) of 908 patients assigned to fondaparinux and in 85 (9%) of 919 assigned to enoxaparin (difference −5•2% [95% CI −8•1 to −2•7], p<0•0001). The relative reduction in risk was 55•9% (95% CI 33•1−72•8). The two groups did not differ in frequency of death or clinically relevant bleeding. Interpretation Drugs that act through specific inhibition of factor Xa, such as fondaparinux, could be more effective than low molecular weight heparins in prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing hip-replacement surgery.