Clinical Rationale of Low Molecular Weight Heparins with Special Emphasis on Their Advantages

Summary

A multicenter study was undertaken to evaluate the risk of perioperative bleeding after the administration of either low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin. To assess the risk of bleeding objectively, a severity score was developed, based on objective criteria. Results indicated that the frequency of serious bleeding was markedly reduced when low molecular weight heparins were used. Elder and male patients bled more often than young and female patients. Malignant disease and the administration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds also increased the risk of perioperative bleeding. In this study as well as in a meta analysis it could be shown that wound haematoma formation represents the most significant indicator of defective haemostasis.

Keywords

Low molecular weight heparin - unfractionated heparin - risk of bleeding