Low-dose intermittent heparin therapy decreases plasma fibrinogen levels.
Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels, even in the "normal" range, have been shown to be an important predictor of myocardial infarcts and strokes. In the past 2 years 29 patients with coronary atherosclerotic disease were started on intermittent SC heparin therapy. The dose varied but in most instances was 10,000 units 3 times/week or 15,000 units twice a week (nonanticoagulant doses). Coagulable plasma fibrinogen decreased in 22 of the 29 patients, and the decrease was greater in those with initially higher levels. The decline usually was gradual and continuous. The results were statistically (paired t test) very highly significant (p = 0.0006).
Engelberg
H
H
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90210.
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis*; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000502:physiology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control
D004041:Dietary Fats; D007375:Interleukin-1; D005340:Fibrinogen; D006493:Heparin