Selective estrogen receptor modulators and deep venous thrombosis after an emergent operation in senior women.

Background: Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), clinically applied to osteoporosis, may have potential risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and discontinuation of SERMs may be required before surgery. However, we cannot discontinue SERMs for a certain duration, when patients undergo an emergent operation.

Case presentation: We reported two aged patients undergoing an emergent orthopedic surgery for lower extremities while taking SERMs for osteoporosis before the operation. DVT was newly developed in one patient and worsened in the other patient after the operation. We found eight aged patients underwent the same operation while taking SERMs for recent 3 years, including the two cases and DVT did not occur in the other six patients. Thus, the incidence of DVT in our patient population was 25%.

Conclusion: We showed that DVT developed or worsened after operation in two patients taking SERMs before operation. Ultrasound examination after operation may be recommended in these population. (149 words).