Fixed-dose, body weight-independent subcutaneous LMW heparin versus adjusted dose unfractionated intravenous heparin in the initial treatment of proximal venous thrombosis. EASTERN Investigators

Body weight-adjusted subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has been proven to be at least as effective and safe as dose-adjusted intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) for the treatment of patients with venous thromboembolism. However, body weight-adjusted dosage of low-molecular-weight heparin may be cumbersome and could lead possibly to incorrect dosing. Therefore a fixed LMWH dose, independent of body-weight, might rationalize initial treatment for venous thromboembolism. Patients with proven proximal deep-vein thrombosis were randomly assigned to fixed dose subcutaneous LMWH Certoparin (8,000 anti-factor Xa U b.i.d.; 265 patients) or to adjusted dose i.v. UFH (273 patients) for 12 days. Vitamin K antagonists were started between day 3 and 7 and continued for up to 6 months. The primary outcome measure was a 30 percent or greater improvement in the Marder Score, as revealed by repeated venography on day 12 (end of the initial treatment). The secondary composite outcome measure included death, recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding and was assessed at day 12 and after 6 months by a blinded adjunction committee. The Marder score improved by 30% or more in 30.3% and 25.0% of patients assigned to LMWH (198 paired venograms) and UFH (192 paired venograms), respectively (2p = 0.26). At the end of the initial treatment, the composite outcome was observed in 4 of the 265 patients (1.5%) randomized to LMWH, as compared with 14 of the 273 patients (5.1%) randomized to UFH (2p = 0.03). At 6 months these figures were 6.8% and 12.8%, respectively (risk reduction 0.53, confidence interval 0.31-0.90, 2p = 0.02). Fixed dose subcutaneous LMWH certoparin is at least as efficacious as UFH in resolving proximal vein thrombosi

Rolstoelgebruikers met een dwarslaesie in beweging. Effecten van en voorwaarden voor een actieve leefstijl

Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury generally have a relatively inactive lifestyle. Several studies have shown that an inactive lifestyle is associated with a lower fitness level, poorer health, reduced social participation and a lower quality of life for wheelchair users. There are a number of ways in which wheelchair users can remain active in daily life, for instance, by using a wheelchair or handbike for mobility instead of taking the car, and by participating in sports or wheelchair sports. Some prerequisites should be met to enable wheelchair users to have a more active lifestyle: the wheelchair should be optimally adjusted and the everyday environment, including sport facilities, should be easily accessible. An active lifestyle often also requires a change in attitude or behaviour. General practitioners, other primary healthcare providers and rehabilitation professionals can help in this respect

Physical activity in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury:prerequisites for and effects of an active lifestyle

Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury generally have a relatively inactive lifestyle. Several studies have shown that an inactive lifestyle is associated with a lower fitness level, poorer health, reduced social participation and a lower quality of life for wheelchair users. There are a number of ways in which wheelchair users can remain active in daily life, for instance, by using a wheelchair or handbike for mobility instead of taking the car, and by participating in sports or wheelchair sports. Some prerequisites should be met to enable wheelchair users to have a more active lifestyle: the wheelchair should be optimally adjusted and the everyday environment, including sport facilities, should be easily accessible. An active lifestyle often also requires a change in attitude or behaviour. General practitioners, other primary healthcare providers and rehabilitation professionals can help in this respect.</p