Subcutaneous heparin treatment of deep venous thrombosis: a comparison of unfractionated and low molecular weight heparin.
In a double-blind study, patients with phlebographically proven deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were treated with subcutaneous injections twice a day of either unfractionated heparin (UH; n = 27) or low molecular weight heparin (LH; n = 29) for 7 days, and the dose was adjusted until therapeutic range was reached, according to a chromogenic substrate anti-Xa assay. Forty-eight percent of the LH group did not need dose adjustment as compared to 24% of the UH group. During the course of heparin administration, deviation from initial heparin activity was frequent in both groups, but mean activity did not indicate a cumulative effect in either group. There was 1 incidence of pulmonary embolism (LH) and only 1 minor bleeding episode (UH). Half of the patients in both groups were phlebographically improved. We conclude that subcutaneous heparin treatment with UH or LH appears safe and convenient.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005170:Factor X / Q000502:physiology; D015951:Factor Xa; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D005170:Factor X; D006493:Heparin; D015951:Factor Xa