A CROSS-OVER STUDY OF A NEW LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HEPARIN (LOGIPARIN(R)) IN HEMODIALYSIS

The safety and effectiveness of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) of 4500 +/- 1500 Daltons were evaluated in eight hemodialysis (HD) pat ients, in comparison with unfractionated heparin (UFH). In phase A of the study 3000 +/- 500 anti-factor Xa (AFXa) IU of LMWH were administe red in bolus for the three consecutive HD sessions of a week. In phase B, 10000 +/- 2500 IU of UFH were administered to the same patients fo r the same time. Were observed no significant differences in hematocri t (Ht), platelets (Pt), fibronogen (FG) and prothrombin time (PT). Who le blood activated coagulation time (WBACT) was more prolonged with LM WH, 24 and 48 hours (start of next session) after administration (p < 0.05), and less prolonged at 5, 60, 120, 180, 240 min compared to UFH (p < 0.001). The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and AFXa activity were more prolonged with UFH at 60 and 240 min (p < 0.001). The clinical effectiveness of the two preparations was similar as judg ed by thrombus formation and compression time. In conclusion, the pres ent study found no real differences between LMWH and UFH, except for p rolongation of WBACT 24 and 48 hours after the administration of LWMH. This probably indicates a cumulative effect of the LMWH and needs fur ther investigation.