Desmin (a low molecular weight dermatan sulphate) versus heparin in the treatment of patients with deep venous thrombosis.
OBJECTIVE
There is theoretical and experimental evidence which indicates that Desmin, a low molecular weight dermatan sulphate, could be an attractive alternative to heparin in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The present study compares both compounds in patients with established DVT.


METHODS
Seventeen consecutive patients admitted with DVT were included in a randomised open study comparing continuous intravenous administration of Desmin and continuous intravenous administration of heparin. Clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters were used to assess the efficacy and safety of both treatments.


RESULTS
The results of the coagulation tests confirmed the published data on the antithrombotic profile of Desmin. A trend towards better biochemical tolerance was observed with Desmin. Repeated echo duplex examinations of the deep venous system could not document further thrombus extension in any patient. Pre- and post-treatment phlebographic Marder scores showed a non-significant trend towards superior efficacy of Desmin. Overall, the results regarding efficacy and safety were not significantly different in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Desmin can be safely studied as an alternative to conventional anticoagulation in the treatment of DVT.
von Kemp
K
K
Department of Vascular Surgery, Academisch Ziekenhuis VUB, Brussels, Belgium.
Jochmans
K
K
van Tussenbroek
F
F
Debruyne
H
H
Van den Brande
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D003893:Desmin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants; D003893:Desmin; D006493:Heparin