Low-molecular-weight heparins for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes.
Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) possess several advantages over unfractionated heparin (UFH) for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Already a class I indication for the treatment of unstable angina/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI), LMWHs also show promise in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Moreover, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated equivalent safety of LMWH with concomitant use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of LMWH as an antithrombin for the treatment across the spectrum of ACS.
Wong
Graham C
GC
Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Giugliano
Robert P
RP
D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex