[Low molecular weight heparins]

Heparin is a heterogeneous component consisting of anionic polysaccharides chains of variable molecular weight ranging from 3 000 to 40 000 daltons. It is by potentiating antithrombin III (AT III) a natural inhibitor of coagulation, that heparin exerts its anticoagulant effect. Actually, it has been demonstrated that only 30% of the molecule in commercial heparin preparations are capable of binding to AT III: moreover, several procedures were used to prepare low molecular weight heparin fractions or fragments. These preparations were lacking in ability to prolong the clotting time (APTT) and to inhibit thrombin, but were capable of potentiating the inhibition of factor Xa. The hypothesis that low molecular weight heparins may exhibit antithrombotic effect by inhibition the coagulation cascade system at the initial stages is very attractive. Moreover, on animal models, heparin fractions with molecular weight less than 3 000 had limited ability to prevent experimental thrombosis despite good anti-Xa activity. Thus, the anti-Xa activity did not alone reflect the antithrombotic effect. Experimental studies have shown less bleeding with low molecular weight heparins compared to standard heparin. Some data have suggested other properties of low molecular weight heparins such as enhancement of fibrinolysis and a slighter effect on platelets. The risk of thrombocytopenia induced heparin could be reduced by the use of low molecular weight heparins. The pharmacokinetics of low molecular weight heparins have been studied in human subjects. A higher bioavailability and a longer duration of action were reported compared to heparin. Preliminary clinical trials have shown that one daily injection is sufficient to protect against post-operative thrombosis.