The efficacy of various Enoxaparin dosing regimens in general surgery patients: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing surgical procedures are at an increased risk of venous thromboembolism events. A fixed Enoxaparin dosing regimen is the standard of care for chemoprophylaxis in most institutions; however, breakthrough venous thromboembolism events are still reported. We aimed to systematically review the literature to determine the ability of various Enoxaparin dosing regimens to achieve adequate prophylactic anti-Xa levels for venous thromboembolism prevention in hospitalized general surgery patients. Additionally, we aimed to assess the correlation between subprophylactic anti-Xa levels and the development of clinically significant venous thromboembolism events.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using major databases from January 1, 1993, to February 17, 2023. Two independent researchers screened titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review. Articles were included if Enoxaparin dosing regimens were evaluated by anti-Xa levels. Exclusion criteria included systematic reviews, pediatric population, nongeneral surgery (defined as trauma, orthopedics, plastics, and neurosurgery), and non-Enoxaparin chemoprophylaxis. The primary outcome was peak Anti-Xa level measured at steady state concentration. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized studies-of Intervention tool.

Results: A total of 6,760 articles were extracted, of which 19 were included in the scoping review. Nine studies included bariatric patients, whereas 5 studies explored abdominal surgical oncology patients. Three studies assessed thoracic surgery patients, and 2 studies included patients undergoing "general surgery" procedures. A total of 1,502 patients were included. The mean age was 47 years, and 38% were males. The percentages of patients reaching adequate prophylactic anti-Xa levels were 39%, 61%, 15%, 50%, and 78% across the 40 mg daily, 40 mg twice daily, 30 mg twice daily, and weight-tiered, and body mass index-based groups, respectively. The overall risk of bias was low to moderate.

Conclusion: Fixed Enoxaparin dosing regimens are not correlated with adequate anti-Xa levels in general surgery patients. Additional research is warranted to assess the efficacy of dosing regimens based on novel physiologic parameters (such as estimated blood volume).