DESMIN (A LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT DERMATAN SULFATE) VERSUS HEPARIN IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS

Objective: There is theoretical and experimental evidence which indica tes that Desmin, a low molecular weight dermatan sulphate, could be an attractive alternative to heparin in the treatment of deep venous thr ombosis (DVT). The present study compares both compounds in patients w ith established DVT. Methods: Seventeen consecutive patients admitted with DVT were included in a randomised open study comparing continuous intravenous administration of Desmin and continuous intravenous admin istration of heparin. Clinical. laboratory and imaging parameters were used to assess the efficacy and safety of both treatments. Results: T he results of the coagulation tests confirmed the published data on th e antithrombotic profile of Desmin. A trend towards better biochemical tolerance was observed with Desmin. Repeated echo duplex examinations of the deep venous system could not document further thrombus extensi on in any patient. Pre-and post-treatment phlebographic Marder scores showed a non-significant trend towards superior efficacy of Desmin. Ov erall, the results regarding efficacy and safety were not significantl y different in the two groups. Conclusion: Desmin can be safely studie d as an alternative to conventional anticoagulation in the treatment o f DVT.