title: Unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin. Comparisons and current recommendations.
abstract: Intravenous heparin followed by warfarin has been the classical anticoagulant therapy of acute venous thromboembolism for the past 30 years. In recent years a number of low-molecular-weight heparins have become available for clinical trials. These agents have a number of advantages over unfractionated heparin and are now being used internationally for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. Low-molecular-weight heparin will undoubtedly replace intravenous unfractionated heparin not only in the treatment of venous thromboembolism but in other conditions where heparin therapy is indicated. Whether or not the low-molecular-weight heparins can decrease or eliminate some of the complications of unfractionated heparin will depend on the outcome of future clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Thrombosis Research Unit, Foothills Hospital, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Pineo
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Hull
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin