A Comparative Review of the Adverse Effect Profiles of Heparins and Heparinoids

On the basis of the results of the 11 studies reviewed, thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight (LMW) heparin or a heparinoid (danaparoid sodium; Org 10172) in patients undergoing total hip replacement did not show any important clinical differences with respect to the tolerability profiles of the different compounds. However, as a result of the great variability in the presentation and evaluation of blood losses and bleeding complications in these studies, it is mandatory to perform a direct comparison of the different compounds in question in a double-blind, prospective clinical study.