Preventive application of low molecular weight heparin ameliorates peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is being increasingly used in critical care settings. However, PICC is associated with various complications, particularly venous thrombosis. Our aim was to observe the effects of preventive application of low molecular weight heparin on venous thrombosis in a PICC model.

METHODS

All rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, and low/medium/high concentration of low molecular weight heparin groups. All rabbits were injected prophylactically with normal saline or low molecular weight heparin once a day for 7 days. A PICC model was constructed. The pathologic changes of ear vein, anterior vena cava, and venous thrombosis were investigated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Biochemical testing was performed including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT). Serum D-dimer (D2D) and fibrinogen (FG) levels were detected using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

X-ray results showed that the PICC model was successfully constructed. H&E results showed that preventive application of low molecular weight heparin significantly ameliorated the pathologic damage to ear vein and anterior vena cava in the PICC model. Furthermore, we found that preventive application of low molecular weight heparin inhibited venous thrombosis in the model by H&E stain. Moreover, it significantly reduced serum FG and D2D levels in PICC model. Biochemical testing results showed that PT, APTT, and TT were significantly elevated in the PICC model.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that preventive application of low molecular weight heparin significantly ameliorates venous thrombosis in a PICC model.