Background: Deep vein thrombosis ( DVT ) is a condition in which thrombus formed in a deep vein especially in the lower limbs and inguinal. One way to find out thrombosis in the blood vessels circulation is by d-dimer levels examination. Giving anticoagulants such as heparin either intravenously or subcutaneously can prevent thrombus formation.
Aim: This study aimed to compare subcutaneous and intravenous heparin against d-dimer levels in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis.
Methods: An observational study with cross-sectional approach. Data were derived from secondary data with total sample of 20 patients which divided into two groups. Group 1 was an ICU patient who given intravenous heparin and Group 2 given subcutaneous heparin. D-dimer levels were recorded before and after getting treatment. Statistical test using paired t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann Whitney (with degrees of significance <0,05).
Results: In this study, a decrease in the d-dimer levels of intravenous group 207.60748.544 μg/L (no significant difference, p=0,403) while in subcutaneous group amounted to 337.701445.950 μg/L (no significant difference, p=0,514). The comparative difference test result obtained both groups did not differ significantly (p=0,909).
Conclusions: There is no significant difference between administering subcutaneous and intravenous heparin against d-dimer levels in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis.
Key words: Intravenous heparin, subcutaneous heparin, deep vein thrombosis, d-dimer level
