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Semin Vasc Med 2003; 03(4): 391-402
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-817703
THERAPEUTICS

Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins for the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Graham C. Wong1 , Robert P. Giugliano2
  • 1Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • 2Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 February 2004 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) possess several advantages over unfractionated heparin (UFH) for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). Already a class I indication for the treatment of unstable angina/non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI), LMWHs also show promise in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Moreover, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated equivalent safety of LMWH with concomitant use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of LMWH as an antithrombin for the treatment across the spectrum of ACS.

KEYWORDS

Low-molecular-weight heparin - unstable angina - myocardial infarction

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