Anticoagulation in clinical practice -2nd Part: the use of heparins

• Main Author: Timóteo, Ana Teresa
• Publication Date: 1998
• Other Authors: Pais, Maria João
• Format: Article
• Language: por
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: https://revista.spmi.pt/index.php/rpmi/article/view/2163
• topic: heparina não fraccionada; heparinas de baixo peso molecular; trombo­ citopénia; actividade anti-Xa; unfractionated heparin; low-mo­lecular weight heparin; thrombocytopenia; anti­ Xa activity

The authors review, in this, the second part of the theme "anticoagulation in clinical prac­tice", the use of heparins in clinical practice. First, the use of unfractionated heparin, is discussed its indicated uses in inpatients, with often consequent long in-patient admission ti­mes, as well as the disadvantages of its use on the outpatient basis e.g. difficult use at home and complex monitorisation. Secondly, the authors' present low molecular weight hepa­rins, which combine easy administration with easy monitorisation, making their total cost lower than that of unfractionated heparin. Caution must be exercised in their implemen­tation, as each low molecular weight heparin has an individual profile that must be asses­sed in each clinical situation. To date, all studies point to a beneficial effect with the use of the various unfractionated heparins in their different clinical settings. lt seems probable that new indications will appear.