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

Abstract

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.