Orbital Hemorrhage and Compressive Optic Neuropathy in Patients With Midfacial Fractures Receiving Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Therapy

Jamal, Basem T.; Diecidue, Robert J.; Taub, Daniel; Champion, Allen; Bilyk, Jurij R.

doi:10.1016/j.joms.2008.12.044

« Previous Next »Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume 67, Issue 7 , Pages 1416-1419, July 2009

Orbital Hemorrhage and Compressive Optic Neuropathy in Patients With Midfacial Fractures Receiving Low-Molecular Weight Heparin Therapy

Basem T. Jamal, BDS
- Formerly, Chief Resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Currently, MSD Student in Cancer Research, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Cell Biology Departments, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Jamal: Boston University Medical Center, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, 715 Albany Street, EVANS 401 Boston, MA 02118
Robert J. Diecidue, DMD, MD, MSPH
- Chairman, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Daniel Taub, DDS, MD
- Assistant Professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Allen Champion, DDS
- Resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Jurij R. Bilyk, MD
- Associate Professor, Oculoplastic Department, Wills Eye Institute, Philadelphia, PA

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.