title: Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for thromboprophylaxis in patients with acute atrial fibrillation: a randomized control trial.
abstract: While long-term anticoagulation prevents ischemic stroke in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the optimal initial anti-thrombotic regime in acute AF is less well defined. We randomized 96 patients with new onset acute AF in an emergency admission ward to receive (1) once-daily preparation of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), tinzaparin or (2) conventional intravenous unfractionated heparin (target APTT 50-70 s). 5 patients in unfractionated heparin group compared with no patients in LMWH group (0%, P = 0.04) developed ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack during the first 48 h. An initial subcutaneous LMWH was safe and effective in ischemic stroke prevention in patients with acute AF.
authors.forename: Chung-Wah
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Siu
authors.forename: Man-Hong
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Jim
authors.forename: Chu-Pak
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Hung-Fat
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Tse
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin