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Low molecular weight heparin in children

Manuela Albisetti1, Maureen Andrew

  • 1Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. manuela.albisetti@kispi.unizh.ch

European Journal of Pediatrics
|April 17, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Low molecular weight heparins offer a safe and effective alternative for preventing and treating blood clots in children. These agents provide predictable anticoagulation with fewer complications than traditional treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Thromboembolic events pose risks in pediatric patients.
  • Current anticoagulation options include unfractionated heparin and oral anticoagulants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) in pediatric thromboembolism.
  • To compare LMWHs with unfractionated heparin and oral anticoagulants in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of available data on LMWH use in pediatric populations.
  • Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of LMWHs versus unfractionated heparin.

Main Results:

  • LMWHs demonstrate superior bioavailability and longer half-life compared to unfractionated heparin.
  • Subcutaneous administration of LMWHs requires minimal monitoring and dose adjustment.
  • Complications like osteoporosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are less frequent with LMWHs.

Conclusions:

  • Low molecular weight heparins represent an efficient and safe alternative for anticoagulation in children.
  • LMWHs are suitable for both prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events across various pediatric conditions.
Abstract

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