Our analysis, which includes patients treated in all types of hospitals across the country, shows that dosing errors occur more often in vulnerable patients, such as women, the elderly, or those with kidney insufficiency or low body weight. |
The patients in our study who received the recommended doses of heparins or glycoprotein inhibitors alone or in combination had the lowest rates of bleeding. This suggests that the safety demonstrated in clinical trials may be attainable in community (hospital) setting with improved dosing accuracy. |
These drugs are clearly beneficial, and when dosed correctly, are also safe. |
This is one of the first studies to look at dosing issues in a real-world population. |