Deep vein thrombosis: Implications of thromboprophylaxis after lower limb cast immobilisation.

Deep vein thrombosis is a recognised complication of lower limb cast immobilisation and post operative state immobilisation. A national survey revealed that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is the favoured strategy for thromboprophylaxis in the latter context. However, clinicians need to be aware of the fact that the use of LMWH might incur the risk of subsequent development of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, with its attendant life-threatening thrombotic complications. Some of the patients who develop those complications might be admitted under the care of general physicians, hence the importance of raising awareness of this issue.

Disproportionate elevation of jugular venous pressure in pleural effusion.

Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by elevation in jugular venous pressure disproportionate to the severity of concurrent breathlessness. As pleural effusion may be an associated feature it is recommended that jugular venous pressure should be documented in all patients who present with pleural effusion.