ARE LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HEPARINS USEFUL FOR THE PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT OF ARTERIAL THROMBI

The pharmacologic specificity of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) has enabled multiple attractive developments in the prophylaxis and t reatment of arterial thrombosis. Their high antithrombotic potency ass ociated with a potentially lower induced bleeding risk, the lack of pl atelet interaction, the prevention of myointimal hyperplasia, and the lower incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, are major advanta ges. New studies in cardiology and vascular surgery demonstrate a high efficacy for LMWHs associated with a low risk.