Audit of anticoagulant therapy of pulmonary embolus, deep vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis.

The use of heparin sodium and warfarin sodium in the treatment of pulmonary embolus (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and thrombophlebitis (TP) was studied by a hospital pharmacy department. During a four-month period, the charts of 26 patients were audited for anticoagulant dosages used; laboratory test monitoring of anticoagulant dosage used; laboratory test minitoring of anticoagulant therapy; complications of, contraindications to, and patient compliance with anticoagulant therapy. These variables were evaluated on the basis of compliance with a written anticoagulant protocol. Initial doses of heparin sodium and warfarin sodium were acceptable in 43% of patients. Maintenance dosing with heparin sodium was acceptable in 89% of patients. Activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT) were ordered correctly for 65% of patients. APTTs were within therapeutic ranges in 31% of patients. The duration of heparin-warfarin overlap was possibly to definitely acceptable in 71% of patients. Prothrombin times were properly monitored in 50% of patients. Complications of anticoagulant therapy were evident in only one patient. There were a number of potentially serious diversions from the protocol. The pharmacy department planned to issue bulletins designed to correct the problems.