Orbital hemorrhage and compressive optic neuropathy in patients with midfacial fractures receiving low-molecular weight heparin therapy

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2009 Jul;67(7):1416-9. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2008.12.044.

Abstract

While the implementation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in the hospital setting is a major concern, the use of antithrombotic agents is fraught with a variety of hemorrhagic complications. Due to increasing reports of adverse reactions to unfractionated heparin (UFH), several manufacturers have initiated product recalls. As a result, the use of low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) such as enoxaparin has risen substantially. In this paper, 2 orbital hemorrhagic complications in patients receiving enoxaparin therapy will be presented. The incidence of DVT in the OMS patient, recent prophylactic strategies, and their effectiveness will be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Enoxaparin / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Maxillary Fractures / complications
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Orbital Fractures / complications*
  • Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Retrobulbar Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Zygomatic Fractures / complications

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Enoxaparin