Comparative Effectiveness of Pulmonary Embolism Prevention After Hip and Knee Replacement

PEPPER is a large pragmatic clinical trial to inform patient choice and balance risk
tolerances of individuals who face decisions about different drugs and strategies for deep
vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) prevention after total hip (THA) and knee
(TKA) replacement. Indeed, clinical equipoise exists to ethically support such a randomized
trial that has great potential to change current practice. We have selected the three
prophylaxis methods that represent current orthopaedic practice in North America and
collectively account for more than 80% of all hip and knee replacements; a) enteric coated
aspirin (regimen with lowest bleeding risk; clinical PE and all-cause mortality rates
comparable to more intensive anticoagulants), b) low intensity (INR Target 2.0) warfarin
(time honored and one of the most common North American regimens; low bleeding risk [1-2%]),
and c) rivaroxaban, a new oral direct Factor Xa inhibitor (regimen with lowest PE and DVT
rate but higher bleeding risk [3-5%]). Prophylaxis will continue for 30 days, in accordance
with clinical guidelines, and pneumatic compression will be utilized in hospital in
conjunction with each treatment group. Each regimen is commonly used in contemporary
practice, supported by observational and clinical trial data, and endorsed by the American
College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
guidelines

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 21 years of age or older;

2. Undergoing elective primary, revision or second stage re-implantation total hip/knee
replacement or uni-compartmental knee replacement or hip resurfacing arthroplasty;

3. Has necessary mental capacity to participate and is able to comply with study protocol
requirements;

4. Eligible for randomization to at least two of the three study regimens;

5. Is not pregnant on the day of surgery;

6. Has signed the consent form; and

7. Is willing to be randomized and participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Undergoing bilateral hip or knee replacement;

2. Has been previously enrolled;

3. Is pregnant or breastfeeding;

4. Is on chronic anticoagulation other than antiplatelet medications;

5. Concurrently enrolled in another active interventional clinical trial testing a drug
or intervention known or believed to interact with aspirin, warfarin, or rivaroxaban;

6. Has documented gastrointestinal, cerebral, or other hemorrhage within 3 months;

7. Has a known diagnosis of defective hemostasis and past history of clinical bleeding
requiring transfusion and treatment;

8. Has had an operative procedure involving the eye, ear, or central nervous system
within one month;

9. Has uncontrolled hypertension with systolic BP > 220mmHg or diastolic BP > 120mmHg;

10. Body weight of less than 41 kilograms at baseline visit;

12) Member of a vulnerable patient population.