Evaluation of Hepatic Function among Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Enoxaparin

OBJECTIVE To evaluate hepatic changes resulting from the use of enoxaparin for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis among patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. METHODS Thirty-two patients underwent elective total hip arthroplasty, using enoxaparin, and were followed up for 65 days with serial hepatic enzyme assays. RESULTS Changes in laboratory parameters were found in up to 75% of the patients during the study, but the parameters normalized after suspension of the treatment. No clinical evidence of hepatic lesions was found. CONCLUSION The hepatic enzyme levels increase in most patients using enoxaparin, but without clinical correlation, and the levels normalize after suspension of the treatment.