Low molecular weight heparins

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) differ from unfractionated heparin (UFH) in a number of characteristics, which is probably due to differences in molecular weight distribution. From a clinical point of view the better subcutaneous bioavailability and longer biological half-life are important, making it sufficient to inject LMWHs once-daily only. For practical purposes it is also important that LMWHs be used without monitoring. They are effective as prophylaxis against postoperative venous thromboembolism after all types of surgery; in most studies, more effective than UFH. In most studies, this effect can be obtained safely and with less bleeding than with UFH. LMWHs compare favourably with UFH for starting treatment of deep vein thrombosis, as well as an anticoagulant during haemodialysis. Adverse effects such as thrombocytopenia and osteoporosis are more common with UFH than with LMWHs. Studies evaluating whether or not LMWHs can replace UFH in arterial diseases are still few with small sample sizes. Thus further systematic research is needed.