Enoxaparin dosing and associated risk of in-hospital bleeding and death in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Nancy M.Allen LaPointe, Anita Y. Chen, Karen P. Alexander, Matthew T. Roe, Charles V. Pollack, Barbara L. Lytle, E. Magnus Ohman, W. Brian Gibler, Eric D. Peterson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of enoxaparin sodium in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes is well established; however, concerns remain regarding bleeding risk. The extent to which bleeding risk is attributable to excess dosing of enoxaparin is unclear. Methods: Using data from the CRUSADE (Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes With Early Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines) National Quality Improvement Initiative, we determined the frequency of administration of excess (>10 mg above the recommended dose), lower-than-recommended (>10mg below the recommended dose), and recommended doses of enoxaparin. We also determined unadjusted and adjusted risks of in-hospital major bleeding and death associated with excess and lower-than-recommended doses of enoxaparin. Results: Of 10 687 patients, 2002 (18.7%) received an excess dose and 3116 (29.2%) received a lower-than recommended dose of enoxaparin. Patients receiving excess doses were older (median age, 78 vs 66 years), smaller (median body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], 26.2 vs 27.8), and more likely to be female (59.5% vs 38.2%) than patients receiving recommended doses (P<.001 for all). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, an excess dose was significantly associated with major bleeding (odds ratio, 1.43;95%confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.75) and death (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03-1.77) compared with a recommended dose. A lower-than-recommended dose was not associated with major bleeding (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.84-1.21), but there was a trend toward higher mortality (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.93-1.68). Conclusions: Almost half the patients treated with enoxaparin did not receive a recommended dose and had worse outcomes, especially those receiving an excess dose. Improved adherence to the recommended dose could substantially improve the safety profile of enoxaparin.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1539-1544
Number of pages6
JournalArchives of Internal Medicine
Volume167
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 23 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Enoxaparin dosing and associated risk of in-hospital bleeding and death in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this