Trial of the Effect of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin (LMWH) Versus Warfarin on Mortality in the Long-Term Treatment of Proximal Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (Main LITE Study)

A Randomized Trial of the Effect of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Versus Warfarin Sodium on the Mortality in the Long-Term Treatment of Proximal Deep Vein Thrombosis (Main LITE Study)

The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term treatment of patients with proximal venous thrombosis through the administration of subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (tinzaparin sodium) versus the standard care use of intravenous heparin followed by oral warfarin sodium.

The accepted treatment for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is initial continuous intravenous heparin followed by long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. Improvements in the methods of clinical trials and the use of accurate objective tests to detect venous thromboembolism have made it possible to perform a series of randomized trials to evaluate various treatments of venous thromboembolism.

The specific objectives of the Main LITE Study are:

• to determine if low-molecular-weight heparin, given subcutaneously once daily without laboratory monitoring, is more effective than adjusted oral warfarin sodium in the reduction of mortality rate.
• to determine if such a low-molecular-weight heparin therapy is more cost-effective than present standard care methods.
• to determine the incidence of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin 20210A mutant genetic abnormalities.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients having a first or recurrent episode of acute proximal vein thrombosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of familial bleeding diathesis or presence of active bleeding contraindicating anticoagulant therapy
• Receiving therapeutic heparin or therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin for more than 48 hours or have already been on warfarin for more than 2 days for the treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis
• Receiving long-term warfarin treatment
• Females who are pregnant
• Known allergy to heparin, warfarin sodium, or bisulfites
• History of heparin-associated thrombocytopenia
• Severe malignant hypertension
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Severe renal failure
• Inability to attend follow-up due to geographic inaccessibility
• Inability or refusal to give informed consent
• Recent neurological or opthalmic surgery (within the previous 14 days)
• Pulmonary embolism requiring thrombolytic therapy, surgical thrombectomy, or vena cava interruption
• Life expectancy of less than 3 months
• Taking ASA prior to randomization and unable to discontinue this medication during the 84 day study treatment period