Review of fondaparinux sodium injection for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing surgery

Figures & data

Figure 1 Schematic drawing of the coagulation cascade and the sites of action of the antithrombotic agents fondaparinux (Xa inhibition), heparin, and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).

Table 1 Studies on the prophylactic effect of fondaparinux on post-operative venous thromboembolism

Study and type of patients	No of patients	Summary effect (ARR and RRR)
EPHESUS, hip replacementa	1827	5.1%	56%
PENTATHLON, hip replacementa	1584	2.2%	26%
PENTHIFRA, hip fracturea	1250	10.8%	56%
PENTAMAKS, knee replacementa	0 724	15.3%	55%
PEGASUS, major abdominalb	2927	1.5%	25%
APOLLO, major abdominalc	1070	3.6%	68%
PENTHIFRA plus, hip fracturedd, prolonged prophylaxis	0 656	33.6%	96%

a Comparator enoxaparin.

b Comparator dalteparin.

c Fondaparinux or placebo in addition to intermittent pneumatic compression.

d Fondaparinux once daily for one week followed by placebo or fondaparinux for around four weeks.

Abbreviations: ARR, absolute risk reduction; RRR, relative risk reduction.