Effect of low molecular weight heparin on prognosis in senile patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combined with pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on prognosis in senile patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) combined with pulmonary embolism. Methods 86 senile patients with AECOPD combined with pulmonary embolism treated at our hospital were randomly divided into two groups by random number table, 43 cases for each group. The control group were treated with heparin sodium and the observation group with LMWH. The effects were compared between the two groups. Results After 7 d treatment, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was lower and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) were higher in the observation group than in the control group [ (54.71±3.84) mmHg vs. (59.27±3.92)mmHg, (97.49±3.65)mmHg vs. (87.32±4.78)mmHg, (1.19±0.13)L vs. (1.06±0.12)L, and (56.51±4.06)% vs. (51.36±3.85)%, P 0.05). Conclusion LMWH for AECOPD patients with pulmonary embolism can effectively improve lung function and blood gas indexes, decrease the level of D-dimer, and improve patients’ prognosis. Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Acute exacerbation; Pulmonary embolism; Senile; Low molecular weight heparin; Prognosis