Heparin in acute coronary disease - requiem for a heavyweight?

Article Abstract:

Low-molecular-weight heparin may be beneficial in preventing heart attack or death in patients with unstable angina. Low-molecular-weight heparin is a smaller form of heparin, an anticoagulant, which is easier to administer and has a more stable therapeutic effect. A 1997 study found that a form of low-molecular-weight heparin called enoxaparin reduced the rate of heart attack, death or recurring angina in patients with unstable angina. However, other studies have not confirmed this and enoxaparin has been shown to increase the risk of bleeding. More research is needed before low-molecular-weight heparin can be recommended in these patients.

Author: Armstrong, Paul W.
Health aspects, Prevention

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A comparison of recombinant hirudin with heparin for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes

Article Abstract:

Hirudin does not appear to confer any major advantage as an anticoagulant over heparin in patients with unstable chest pain or acute heart attack. Hirudin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant in leeches. It was evaluated in 12,142 patients hospitalized with these symptoms in 373 hospitals in 13 countries who received either heparin or hirudin within 12 hours of admission. Hirudin reduced mortality rates substantially at 24 and 48 hours, but the 30-day mortality rate dropped only 11%. Hirudin was also associated with a slightly higher incidence of bleeding.

Evaluation, Hirudin

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Future trials of antiplatelet agents in cardiac ischemia

Article Abstract:

Tips for conducting trials of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are presented. These anticoagulants are used in heart attack patients who receive angioplasty or a stent to open blocked coronary arteries.

Author: Throckmorton, Douglas C.
Research

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Subjects list: Editorial, Unstable angina, Drug therapy, Heart attack, Heparin, Anticoagulants (Medicine), Anticoagulants
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