However, when they looked at interrupted compared with continuous administration, they found that interrupted administration was associated with a sevenfold increased risk for VTE (OR, 7.07; P = .04). None of the other variables were significantly linked to VTE risk in this subanalysis.
Dr. Offner noted that the study results were limited by the retrospective design, potential for surveillance bias, and relatively small number of VTE cases in the sample.
Invited discussant Dr. Thomas Esposito of the department of surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill., noted that there was a mismatch between the interrupted and continuous PTP administration groups. That called the data into question, he said, because differences between the groups might have significantly influenced the incidence of VTE and PE.
Dr. Offner acknowledged that the small numbers involved could have subjected the study to a type II statistical error. He also agreed that the interrupted therapy group was a higher-risk group and that those risk factors could in part explain the higher incidence of VTE.
The study was internally funded. Neither Dr. Offner nor Dr. Esposito had conflict of interest disclosures.