LMWH


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Related to LMWH: Fondaparinux

LMWH

Abbreviation for low molecular weight heparin.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

heparin

(hep'a-rin) [ hepar + -in]
A parenteral anticoagulant drug with a faster onset than warfarin or its derivatives. It is composed of polysaccharides that inhibit coagulation by forming an antithrombin that prevents conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and by preventing liberation of thromboplastin from platelets. Because heparin is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, it is usually administered intravenously or subcutaneously as a sodium or calcium salt.

Uses

Heparin is used as an anticoagulant to prevent and treat thrombosis and embolism. It is an important agent in the management of acute coronary syndromes (e.g., unstable angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction). Because heparin compounds are too large to cross the placental barrier, they are the preferred anticoagulants in pregnant women. The antagonist for an overdose is protamine sulfate. The most common side effect of heparin is abnormal bleeding.

heparin lock

A device attached to an intravenous catheter to prevent it from clotting. It is used for intermittent administration of fluids or medication. See: heparin lock flush solution; venous access device

low molecular weight heparin

Abbreviation: LMWH
The most bioavailable fraction of heparin. It has a more precise anticoagulant effect than unfractionated heparins and is used to prevent and treat deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and acute coronary syndromes.

CAUTION!

It should be used selectively, if at all, in patients with reduced kidney function.

heparitin sulfate

A sulfurated mucopolysaccharide that accumulates in the connective tissue in abnormal amounts in some mucopolysaccharidoses.
See: mucopolysaccharidosis

low molecular weight heparin

Abbreviation: LMWH
The most bioavailable fraction of heparin. It has a more precise anticoagulant effect than unfractionated heparins and is used to prevent and treat deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and acute coronary syndromes.

CAUTION!

It should be used selectively, if at all, in patients with reduced kidney function.
See also: heparin
Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners
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References in periodicals archive ?
paraplegia, pelvic girdle pain with reduced mobility; family history of unprovoked or oestrogen-provoked VTE in first-degree relative; low-risk thrombophilia; multiple pregnancy; in vitro fertilisation-assisted reproductive technology; transient risk factors: dehydration-hyperemesis, current systemic infection, long-distance travel Postnatal assessment Any previous VTE; need for antenatal High risk LMWH; high-risk thrombophilia; low-risk thrombophilia + family history Intermediate/moderate Caesarean section in labour; body mass risk index [greater than or equal to] 40 kg/ [m.sup.2]; readmission or prolonged admission ([greater than or equal to] 3 days) in the puerperium; any surgical procedure in the puerperium other than repair of perineum; medical comorbidities, e.g.
Assessment and management of venous thromboembolism risk during pregnancy and the puerperium (SAVE): The South African cohort
On the other hand, LMWHs, such as enoxaparin have been shown to be as safe and effective as intravenous UFH [20, 21].
MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM/LECENJE PLUCNE EMBOLIJE
Available studies found slow injection decreases pain and bruising size caused by LMWH injection (Palese et al., 2013; Pourghaznein et al., 2014).
Low-Molecular Weight Heparin and Complications of Subcutaneous Injection: How Important Is Injection Site Selection?
* Antepartum and postpartum thromboprophylaxis with LMWH and low-dose aspirin is recommended in women with APS and previous VTE.
Recommendations for thromboprophylaxis in obstetrics and gynaecology
LMWH is also used as a nanocarrier to deliver drugs in cancer therapies.
Pleiotropic Effects of Heparins: From Clinical Applications to Molecular Mechanisms in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
He was started on LMWH (enoxaparin) at 1 mg/kg for a planned course of 3 months.
Intramural Bowel Hematoma Presenting as Small Bowel Obstruction in a Patient on Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin
Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) and LMWH are the main types of antithrombotic treatment.
Aortic Arch Floating Thrombus Complicated by Distal Embolization in a Patient with Malignancy
The irreversibility of the patient's clotting assays through exogenous clotting factor transfusion and LMWH antidote (FFP and protamine sulfate accordingly), and the inability to further correct coagulation test abnormalities with a 50:50 mixing test lead to the suspicion of an acquired coagulation factor inhibitor.
Successful Outcome of Severe Intra-cerebral Bleeding Associated with Acquired Factor V Inhibition: Utilization of Multiple Therapeutic Agents
Our case report is the first one with LMWH as extended anticoagulant therapy in a patient with IVC duplication and extensive DVT.
EXTENSIVE DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS IN A YOUNG MALE PATIENT AS THE FIRST MANIFESTATION OF A RARE VENOUS ANOMALY--INFERIOR VENA CAVA DUPLICATION: CASE REPORT
[22] LMWH + Aspirin 139 versus 80 versus Aspirin Hongwei et al.
The Best Anticoagulation Strategy for Cirrhotic Patients who Underwent Splenectomy: A Network Meta-Analysis
By contrast, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a kind of heparin produced by nitrous acid decomposition and purification of low molecular heparin sodium or calcium salts.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin Nebulization Attenuates Acute Lung Injury
During pregnancy, patients are often switched to alternative anticoagulation therapies which include low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH), to avoid teratogenic effects from VKAs.
Anticoagulation for the Pregnant Patient with a Mechanical Heart Valve, No Perfect Therapy: Review of Guidelines for Anticoagulation in the Pregnant Patient

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