Long-term effects of low molecular weight heparin on lipid parameters in hemodialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
The long-term effects of the replacement of conventional heparin by low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on lipid parameters were examined in a large group of hemodialysis patients.


METHODS
One-year prospective investigation.


METHODS
Renal units.


METHODS
A total of 93 patients aged 12-63 years old receiving hemodialysis for 51 (1-172) months were studied. None of the patients had primary hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, or other secondary causes of dyslipidemia.


METHODS
In all patients administration of LMWH was introduced in doses 2500-5000 units.


METHODS
Baseline values of lipoprotein profile prior to the intervention were compared with results obtained after 3, 6 and 12 months of LMWH.


RESULTS
During of LMWH treatment a small but statistically significant decrease of total and HDL cholesterol (from 200 +/- 45 mg/dl to 185 +/- 42 mg/dl, p < 0.01, and from 45 +/- 11 mg/dl to 42 +/- 10 mg/dl, p < 0.05, respectively), as well as Apo B (from 128 +/- 36 mg/dl to 121 +/- 35 mg/dl, p < 0.001) was noticed. Moreover, triglycerides decreased significantly (from 175 +/- 73 mg/dl to 146 +/- 62 mg/dl, p < 0.001). The beneficial effects of LMWH were more pronounced in patients with dyslipidemia (total cholesterol > 200 mg/dl, or triglycerides > 200 mg/dl) before the replacement of conventional heparin.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term use of LMWH instead of conventional heparin for anticoagulation during dialysis has beneficial effects on the lipoprotein profile, especially in patients with dyslipidemia.
Elisaf
M S
MS
Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.
Bairaktari
H
H
Germanos
N
N
Pappas
M
M
Koulouridis
E
E
Papagalanis
N
N
Siamopoulos
K C
KC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D000925:Anticoagulants; D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides