PROTECT
Prophylaxis for Thromboembolism in Critical Care
Patient / Population Intervention / Exposure Comparison Outcome
In 3,764 medical-surgical ICU patients, dalteparin reduced pulmonary embolism compared with unfractionated heparin, without changing proximal DVT.
N
3,764
Design
Multicentre double-blind RCT, international (67 ICUs, 6 countries; Canadian Critical Care Trials Group / ANZICS-led)
Endpoint
Proximal leg deep-vein thrombosis
Relevance
3
ResultProximal DVT similar; PE 1.3% vs 2.3% (HR 0.51).
PROTECT Investigators. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(14):1305-1314. 10.1056/NEJMoa1014475
Discussion & critique
LMWH preferred over UFH in routine ICU VTE prophylaxis.