Characteristics and Risk Factors of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin–Related Medication Errors: Analysis of 129 Medical Malpractice Litigation Cases
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Aims This study examined the characteristics and high-risk phases of medication errors (MEs) involving low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) by analyzing medical malpractice litigation cases in China. Methods Cases were retrieved from China Judgements Online and PKULAW.COM up to May 7, 2025, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics to provide preliminary insights into targeted risk-prevention strategies. Results A total of 129 LMWH-related MEs were identified, involving 131 hospitals across 27 provinces. These cases, spanning from 2008 to 2023, included 35.66% that underwent multiple trial phases. The median duration of litigation was 762 days (range, 158–3,389 days). The most common adverse outcomes included intracranial hemorrhage (34.88%), deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (24.81%), and ischemic stroke (6.20%). More than half of the cases (54.26%) led to patient death. The primary indications for LMWH use were venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis (39.42%) and treatment (16.79%), whereas 13.87% of cases involved inappropriate or non–evidence-based use. MEs occurred most commonly in general wards (76.30%), followed by intensive care units (8.89%) and outpatient or emergency settings (7.41%). Orthopedics (20.61%) and cardiology (14.50%) were the most commonly involved specialties. The majority of MEs occurred during the prescribing phase (66.67%) or the monitoring phase (27.78%). Patients often had multiple comorbidities and were exposed to polypharmacy. Conclusions LMWH-related MEs are prevalent, clinically significant, and impose considerable temporal and financial burdens on healthcare providers. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to optimize the initiation and monitoring of anticoagulation therapy, thereby reducing LMWH-related harm.
Authors: Qiang Zhang, Yan Zhou, Qing Xia Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medical Services
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4413412239