Low molecular weight heparin required no dose adjustment in 48% of patients compared to 24% with unfractionated heparin, with both groups achieving 50% phlebographic improvement.
RCT (n=56)
Double-blind
Absolute Event Rate: 50% vs 50%
In a double-blind study, patients with phlebographically proven deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were treated with subcutaneous injections twice a day of either unfractionated heparin (UH; n = 27) or low molecular weight heparin (LH; n = 29) for 7 days, and the dose was adjusted until therapeutic range was reached, according to a chromogenic substrate anti-Xa assay. Forty-eight percent of the LH group did not need dose adjustment as compared to 24% of the UH group. During the course of heparin administration, deviation from initial heparin activity was frequent in both groups, but mean activity did not indicate a cumulative effect in either group. There was 1 incidence of pulmonary embolism (LH) and only 1 minor bleeding episode (UH). Half of the patients in both groups were phlebographically improved. We conclude that subcutaneous heparin treatment with UH or LH appears safe and convenient.
Holm et al. (Wed,) conducted a rct in Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (n=56). Low molecular weight heparin (LH) vs. Unfractionated heparin (UH) was evaluated on Phlebographic improvement. Low molecular weight heparin required no dose adjustment in 48% of patients compared to 24% with unfractionated heparin, with both groups achieving 50% phlebographic improvement.