[Osteoporosis induced either by unfractionated heparin or by low molecular weight heparin]

Since the first suggestion of heparin-induced osteoporosis in 1963, a large body of work has been published. The mechanism can be explained by the effect of heparin as a cofactor for physiological stimulators of osteoclasts. Low-molecular weight heparins are an interesting alternative to non-fractionate heparin as the risk is reduced with an equivalent anticoagulation activity. Prevention is based on screening for patients at risk, preferential use of low-molecular weight heparins, early switch to anti-vitamin K and vitamin and calcium supplementation in pregnant women an elderly subjects. Curative treatment combines vitamin-calcium supplementation with inhibitors of bone resorption.