Low molecular weight heparin for deep vein thrombosis in glioma patients.

The treatment and secondary prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, a common complication in patients with malignant glioma, has remained controversial. We treated 11 patients with malignant glioma and DVT prospectively with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at 175 IU/kg for 10 days and then for 3 months at 100 IU/kg. No patient developed bleeding complications or any other severe side effects of LMWH treatment. Two patients had a dose reduction of LMWH to 75 IU/kg because of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. One patient developed progressive DVT and nonlethal pulmonary embolism on day 14 of LMWH 100 IU/kg. After increasing the dose to 175 IU/kg he had no further recurrence. One patient had recurrence of DVT after a fracture of the leg affected by DVT at 8 months after the diagnosis of DVT and 5 months after the end of LMWH therapy. LMWH therapy may be safe and effective in the treatment and secondary prophylaxis of DVT in patients with malignant glioma.