TDNet Discover

Background: Total knee arthroplasties (TKA) have long been considered the standard when looking at venous thrombotic events (VTE) risks. Such operations are rated as a high-risk procedure by the American Heart Association when analyzing prophylaxis methods for VTEs. Purpose: The high rates of VTE status post TKA potentiates the need for prophylaxis that addresses variables such as price, effectiveness, and possibility of adverse reactions. This begs the question: Is aspirin as effective for VTE prophylaxis post TKA as low molecular weight heparin, and/or direct oral anticoagulants? Methods: 8 articles were retrieved from multiple search banks which included Pubmed, Up-toDate, and Google Scholar. Each article was categorized using the following search terms: TKA VTE prophylaxis, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and aspirin. Each study was then categorized into a number of VTE and major hemorrhagic events in accordance with DOAC, LMWH, and aspirin. Results: Using T-test statistical analysis we compared aspirin to DOACs, and aspirin to LMWH and found no statically significant difference in VTE percentage or major hemorrhagic events across the three treatment groups. Discussion: Factoring in medication cost, availability, and efficiency, aspirin appears to be superior to both LMWH and/or DOACS. Conclusion: There is found to be no difference in LMWH, DOACs, and aspirin when it comes to VTE risk and major bleeding complications. More research needs to be done when it comes to aspirin to further solidify this data as the number of studies looking at aspirin VTE prophylaxis is limited when compared to the vast amount of studies for LMHW and DOACs.