Difference Between LMWH and Heparin

Standard heparin is known to cause adverse reactions called immunogenic responses, such as Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). LMWH is made from standard heparin but is associated with a lower rate of HIT than standard heparin.

1. What is the difference between LMWH and UFH?
2. What is the advantage of low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin?
3. Why is low molecular weight heparin better?
4. What is the difference between enoxaparin and warfarin?
5. When is LMWH used?
6. Does LMWH need monitoring?
7. Does LMWH affect INR?
8. Why is it called unfractionated heparin?
9. What is an example of unfractionated heparin?

What is the difference between LMWH and UFH?

LMWH has a greater effect on anti-Xa and less effect on thrombin (factor IIa) compared to UFH. This means that LMWH doesn't strongly affect the PTT, and cannot be monitored by measuring the PTT level.

What is the advantage of low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin?

However, low-molecular-weight heparin offers advantages over conventional unfractionated heparin, including a more predictable anticoagulant effect, no need for monitoring of anticoagulation, resistance to inhibition by activated platelets, and a lower incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Why is low molecular weight heparin better?

Low-molecular-weight heparin provides advantages over heparin in that it has better bioavailability and longer half-life, simplified dosing, predictable anticoagulant response, lower risk of HIT, and lower risk of osteoporosis. Like heparin, LMWH exerts its anticoagulant activity by activating antithrombin.

What is the difference between enoxaparin and warfarin?

Enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, has been shown to reduce the prevalence of deep venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty. Warfarin, an orally administered anticoagulant, has been used historically to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty.

When is LMWH used?

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of anticoagulant medications. They are used in the prevention of blood clots and treatment of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) and in the treatment of myocardial infarction.

Does LMWH need monitoring?

In the majority of patients, LMWH does not require coagulation monitoring. If monitoring is necessary, anti–factor Xa levels must be measured because most LMWH preparations have little effect on APTT. Indications for LMWH monitoring include renal insufficiency and obesity.

Does LMWH affect INR?

LMWH does not require routine monitoring because it exerts its effect on factor X_a in the coagulation pathway, which is not tracked by the PT/INR or aPTT.

Why is it called unfractionated heparin?

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) as a pharmaceutical is heparin that has not been fractionated to sequester the fraction of molecules with low molecular weight. In contrast, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has undergone fractionation for the purpose of making its pharmacodynamics more predictable.

What is an example of unfractionated heparin?

There are two types of heparin drugs comprising unfractionated heparin (UFH), also known as standard heparin, and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). LMWH is constituted by a group of several drugs (for example, enoxaparin, dalteparin, nadroparin, tinzaparin, certoparin) (Hirsh 2004).