A comparison between subcutaneous low-dose sodium and calcium heparin. Prophylaxis of postoperative deep vein thrombosis and side effects of treatment.

A controlled, randomized, prospective double-blind trial between subcutaneous low-dose sodium- and calcium-heparin was made. Heparin Vitrum was used. The only difference between the two heparins was the sodium or calcium ions. Postoperative thrombosis frequency, bleeding complications, and local reaction were analysed. For evaluation of local haematoma formation, 125I-fibrinogen uptake was measured over the injection sites. The only statistically significant difference between the two heparins was a larger haematoma formation at heparin injection sites when calcium heparin was used. Otherwise sodium- and calcium-heparin are equal in effect and side effects provided they come from the same heparin source.