[Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin for acute coronary syndromes--assessment of a Cochrane review].
In aspirin-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment < 7 days significantly reduce the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and LMWH furthermore reduces revascularisation. There is a non-significant effect on mortality compared with placebo and an insignificantly increased risk of haemorrhagic complications. No net clinical benefit of LMWH was found compared to UHF, but LMWH has pharmacokinetic advantages. The optimal duration of heparin treatment remains controversial.
Medicinsk-kardiologisk Afdeling, Århus Sygehus, Århus Universitetshospital, 8000 Århus C, Denmark. steehust@rm.dk
Steen Elkjaer
SE
Husted
Hans Kraemmer
HK
Nielsen
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000188:drug therapy; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000517:prevention & control; D010919:Placebos / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D010919:Placebos; D006493:Heparin; D001241:Aspirin