EFFECTS OF UNFRAGMENTED AND LOW-WEIGHT HE PARIN ON THE INDUCTION OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Since the first suggestion of heparin-induced osteoporosis in 1963, a large body of work has been published. The mechanism can be explained by the effect of heparin as a cofactor for physiological stimulators o f osteoclasts. Low-molecular weight heparins are an interesting altern ative to non-fractionate heparin as the risk is reduced with an equiva lent anticoagulation activity. Prevention is based on screening for pa tients at risk, preferential use of low-molecular weight heparins, ear ly switch to anti-vitamin K and vitamin and calcium supplementation in pregnant women an elderly subjects. Curative treatment combines vitam in-calcium supplementation with inhibitors of bone resorption.