Low Molecular Weight versus Unfractionated Heparin

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been in clinical use for over 50 years and extensive clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of thrombotic disease. In the last 2 decades, low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) have been developed and subjected to extensive laboratory and clinical studies. In clinical comparison with UFH in the treatment of venous thromboembolism, LMWHs appear to offer a superior benefit-risk profile. In addition, the ease of drug administration and lack of drug monitoring associated with LMWHs are attractive clinical features.