PENTATHLON 2000 trial

Last reviewed 01/2018

The PENTATHLON 2000 trial aimed to determine whether the pentasaccharide fondaparinux was more effective than low-molecular-weight heparin at preventing deep venous thrombosis post elective hip replacement.

The multi-centre, double-blind trial enrolled 2275 consecutive patients, aged over 18 years, who were undergoing elective hip replacement. Patients received either 30 mg enoxaparin s/c twice daily or 2.5 mg fondaparinux s/c postoperatively.

The primary outcome was the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism up to day 11. Patients were followed for 6 weeks. Safety outcomes included bleeding and death.