Unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin. Comparisons and current recommendations

Intravenous heparin followed by warfarin has been the classical anticoagulant therapy of acute venous thromboembolism for the past 30 years. In recent years a number of low-molecular-weight heparins have become available for clinical trials. These agents have a number of advantages over unfractionated heparin and are now being used internationally for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. Low-molecular-weight heparin will undoubtedly replace intravenous unfractionated heparin not only in the treatment of venous thromboembolism but in other conditions where heparin therapy is indicated. Whether or not the low-molecular-weight heparins can decrease or eliminate some of the complications of unfractionated heparin will depend on the outcome of future clinical trials.