This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Low molecular weight heparin

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is now accepted as a safe and effective antithrombotic agent for use in a range of venous and arterial clotting disorders.

In contrast to unfractionated heparin, which has a molecular weight in the range 3000-30000, LMWH has a mean molecular weight of 5000. LMWH primarily results in inhibition of factor Xa with relative sparing of thrombin.

  • unfractionated heparin acts on both thrombin and factor Xa about equally, whereas low molecular weight heparin is more active against factor Xa
  • LMWH allows patients with uncomplicated deep vein thrombosis to be treated in the community, thus saving an average of 4 or 5 days of admission per patient
  • LMWH has been shown to be more effective than vitamin K antagonists (almost all being warfarin) in preventing deep vein thrombosis after major orthopaedic surgery, with no significant difference in rates of bleeding

The advantages of LMWH compared to unfractionated heparin include:

  • equal or improved antithrombotic activity
  • reduced incidence of bleeding
  • improved pharmacokinetics
  • no need for coagulation monitoring
  • no need for dose adjustments
  • lower incidence of thrombocytopenia
  • can be administered by the patient at home

Reference:

  1. BMJ. 2006 Jan 28;332(7535):215-9.

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.