[Therapy of venous thromboembolism with low-molecular-weight heparins]

Low-molecular-weight heparins, nowadays already widely used for the prevention of thromboembolism, have now also become available for the treatment of deep-vein thrombosis. This article should serve to explain the rationale for this development and to demonstrate the clinically relevant advantages of the use of low-molecular-weight heparins. After briefly describing the characteristic properties of heparins the most relevant studies comparing the use of low-molecular-weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for the treatment of thromboembolism are discussed. In conclusion, clinical trials suggest that low-molecular-weight heparins given subcutaneously can replace the hitherto standard intravenous application of unfractionated heparin in the initial treatment of deep-vein thrombosis, granting equal or even better efficacy and potentially lower rates of adverse side effects. Furthermore, the simplicity of this therapeutic regime allows for treatment of patients at home, thus offering patients mobility and also reducing the cost of treatment.