LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HEPARIN IN UNSTABLE ANGINA

Encouraging results have been reported with non fractionated heparin i n the acute treatment of unstable angina. Recent therapeutic trials ha ve shown that some low molecular weight heparins, associated with aspi rin. and prescribed in the long term after the hospital phase, have a significant beneficial effect on the frequency of clinical events. A p henomenon of reactivation with a notable increase in clinical events h as clearly been demonstrated in the period following withdrawal of hep arin. Data comparing non-fractionated and low molecular weight heparin s are scarce at present. A major question remains : the choice of ther apeutic strategy after the acute phase, pharmacological or early revas cularisation? Clinical trials taking pharmaco-economic aspects into co nsideration are required.