Thromb Haemost 2008; 99(05): 807-818
DOI: 10.1160/TH08-01-0032
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin

Elaine Gray
1   National Institute for Biological Standards & Control, Potters Bar, UK
,
Barbara Mulloy
1   National Institute for Biological Standards & Control, Potters Bar, UK
,
Trevor W. Barrowcliffe
1   National Institute for Biological Standards & Control, Potters Bar, UK
2   Current address: 3 Boulby Bank, Whitby, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 15 January 2007

Accepted after major revision 31 March 2008

Publication Date:
30 November 2017 (online)

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Summary

Heparin is one of the oldest biological medicines, and has an established place in the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis. Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) have been developed by several manufacturers and have advantages in terms of pharmacokinetics and convenience of administration. They have been shown to be at least as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin and have replaced the latter in many indications. In this article the chemistry, mechanisms of action, measurement of anticoagulant activities, and clinical status of heparin and LMWH are reviewed.