Anti-Xa Levels With Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Critical Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Less than half of critically ill patients achieved their prophylactic anti-Xa targets despite LMWH thromboprophylaxis. Subprophylactic anti-Xa levels may be associated with an increased risk of VTE. Male sex, increased weight, and elevated body mass index have a moderate certainty association with developing subprophylactic anti-Xa levels. This study highlights the clinical importance of anti-Xa level monitoring in critically ill adults and the need for a future randomized controlled trial to further evaluate this topic.