Heparin shots as good as IV
A new study shows that subcutaneous injections once or twice daily of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) seem to be as safe and effective as conventional IV unfractionated heparin for treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis.1 Unlike IV heparin, subcutaneous injections do not require lab monitoring of blood clotting times or dose adjustments. Also, it may be possible to administer IV heparin on an outpatient basis. That would save money despite LMWH’s higher cost — $236 more per patient for the initial course than IV heparin.
Reference
1. Gould MK, Dembitzer AD, Doyle RL, et al. Low-molecular-weight heparins compared with unfractionated heparin for treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis. Ann Intern Med 1999; 130(10):800-809.
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