title: Current dilemmas in the clinical use of heparin.
abstract: The more widespread use of heparin as an effective antithrombotic agent would be greatly facilitated by resolution of the following issues: Clarification of the biological differences between beef and hog heparin. The development of a standard heparin molecule. The modification of heparin for oral use. The availability of a standard in vitro assay of the drug's antithrombotic potential. A meaningful assay of plasma heparin together with a determination of whether or not heparin is present in human plasma in normal and diseased states. Establishment of criterions for determining the proper dosage schedules in various pathological conditions. A reconcilation of USP and International units of heparin.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000991:Antithrombins / Q000494:pharmacology; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D002417:Cattle; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D013045:Species Specificity; D013552:Swine; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000991:Antithrombins; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D006493:Heparin