Low molecular weight heparins--state-of-the-art and unsolved issues

Low molecular weight heparins are well established in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in patients with general surgery, in high risk patients undergoing elective hip surgery or emergency surgery and also in patients with an enhanced risk of thrombosis who are treated in medical wards. There are, however, many possibilities for improving prophylaxis and treatment with LMWH. The mechanisms by which low molecular weight heparins and also unfractionated heparin inhibit thrombus formation are not fully understood. The inhibition of thrombin formation and local effects at the endothelial level may be more important than antithrombin-III mediated effects on factor IIa and on factor Xa. For most low molecular weight heparins the most effective dose regimens to be used in patients at high risk have not yet been established. Low molecular weight heparins may be more effective in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis than unfractionated heparin. In the therapeutic studies published so far the major intention was to show that low molecular weight heparins can prevent the progression of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to the same extent as unfractionated heparin. Extended treatment regimens, however, may lead to a relevant thrombus reduction. Outpatient treatment for a longer period of time with results not far from those obtained with thrombolysis seem possible especially in elderly patients. Low molecular weight heparins in their present form or modified low molecular weight heparins may be useful for long-term treatment of patients with atherosclerosis with the aim of regression of atherosclerotic lesions. New forms of application, e.g. inhalation, may render long-term treatment more feasible.