American Society of Hirudotherapy

New therapeutic options in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis

Research article published in Seminars in hematology (2000)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Observational studyDrug DevelopmentEriksson BI et al. · Seminars in hematology, 2000

Abstract

Joint replacement surgery is complicated by a high rate of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). Current thromboprophylactic approaches reduce the rate of VTE, but the incidence remains as high as 20% to 50%. Recombinant hirudins, such as desirudin and lepirudin, function by directly inhibiting thrombin, and are a new development in antithrombotic therapy. In two multicenter studies, desirudin was found to be superior to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after total hip alloplasty. A further trial of more than 2,000 patients undergoing elective hip replacement compared the thromboprophylactic efficacy of desirudin versus the low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin. Desirudin was more effective than LMWH in providing effective prophylaxis, and maintained superiority in patients with additional risk. Desirudin was shown to be equally safe and did not require laboratory monitoring. Desirudin (15 mg twice daily) is an efficient therapy for DVT prevention in hip alloplasty patients at additional risk.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeComparative StudyJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsArthroplasty, Replacement, HipCost-Benefit AnalysisDrug CostsFibrinolytic AgentsHeparin, Low-Molecular-WeightHirudin TherapyHirudinsHumansRecombinant ProteinsVenous Thrombosis

Summary

New therapeutic options in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This article discusses newer pharmacological options for preventing postoperative venous thromboembolism following joint replacement surgery, focusing on recombinant hirudins such as desirudin and lepirudin, which the abstract states function by directly inhibiting thrombin. The abstract reports multicenter study data showing desirudin was superior to unfractionated heparin and more effective than the low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin in preventing deep vein thrombosis after elective hip replacement, without requiring laboratory monitoring. The abstract does not mention leeches, leech saliva, or any leech secretome, identifying the drugs only as 'recombinant hirudins,' so the connection to applied hirudotherapy is not established by this article. The scope is limited to pharmaceutical thromboprophylaxis in surgical patients.

Citation

New therapeutic options in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis

Eriksson BI et al. · Seminars in hematology, 2000

DOI

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