Heparin: Over 100 Years of Anticoagulation

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Medical History

Background:

• Heparin has been indispensable in medicine for over a century.
• It plays a critical role in managing prothrombotic states and procedures like dialysis.
• Heparin was instrumental in developing cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of heparin.
• To detail its discovery, structure, and mechanism of action.
• To highlight its principal use in anticoagulation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical and scientific data on heparin.
• Analysis of heparin's role in clinical practice and medical advancements.
• Examination of the evolution of heparin therapy, including low molecular weight heparin.

Main Results:

• Heparin's discovery and structure are foundational to its anticoagulant properties.
• Its mechanism of action is key to its therapeutic applications.
• Heparin's use spans prophylaxis, treatment of thromboembolic events, dialysis, and cardiac surgery.

Conclusions:

• Heparin remains a cornerstone of anticoagulant therapy.
• The development of low molecular weight heparin has improved patient convenience and self-administration.
• This chapter offers a concise summary of heparin's extensive history and utility.