Low - Molecular Weight Heparins and Unfractionated Heparins during Primary Coronary Intervention

Chiara      Cavallino; Matteo      Santagostino; Emanuela      Facchini; Virginia Di      Ruocco; Andrea      Rognoni

doi:10.2174/1871525711311020004

Abstract

Coronary artery diseases continue to be the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in the industrialized world, especially in the setting of acute myocardial infarction.

Anticoagulation during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has traditionally been supported by anticoagulant unfractionated heparin (UFH). Recently, alternative anticoagulants such as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were included in the management of STEMI.

The aim of the present review is to compare efficacy and safety outcomes among patients receiving low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) while undergoing PCI for STEMI.

Keywords: STEMI, PCI, low-molecular weight heparins, unfractionated heparin, acute coronary syndromes, thrombosis, in – stent restenosis, bleeding, coronary intervention, adjuvant therapy.