Heparin therapy: current regimens and principles of monitoring.
Standard heparin is currently in wide use, and along with low-molecular-weight heparin, its administration may well increase in the future. Present clinical indications are well documented. Laboratory monitoring is important and requires a practical understanding of therapeutic levels and of causes of spurious results. Like many drugs, heparin has serious potential side effects that must be considered both before and after starting therapy.
Berry
B R
BR
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Nantel
S
S
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006493:Heparin