Are you a physically active individual? Have you ever had a bone fracture after a fall or an accident? A recent clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of aspirin versus heparin on reducing the risk of blood clots after a fracture.
A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. A bone fracture happens when something hits your bone with enough force not only to damage it but to break it in at least one place.
Thromboprophylaxis is a medical term that refers to the prevention of blood clots. Fractures, particularly those that require surgery, can increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can be dangerous or even life-threatening. Blood clots can travel throughout the body and can result in heart attack, stroke, lung failure, and kidney failure.
Heparin is usually used to prevent blood clots after a fracture however; it has several side effects such as an allergic reaction and excessive bleeding. Additionally, it can only be used in the form of an injection. Aspirin has recently been introduced as an alternative and can be given in the form of a tablet. So, a clinical trial was conducted to determine if aspirin was indeed safe and effective in reducing blood clots in fracture patients.
The clinical study involved 12,211 patients who had a fracture that required surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either aspirin or heparin for preventing blood clots. The patients were followed for 90 days to determine if they developed blood clots.