Thrombin generation is a key event in the pathophysiology of coronary
syndromes and provides the rationale for treatment with anticoagulants
. Unlike standard heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has lit
tle effect on activated partial thromboplastin time. LMWH treatment ha
s been monitored by measurement of anti-Factor Xa activity, but this m
ay not accurately reflect the anticoagulant action because LMWHs also
inhibit factor II. The Heptest is a clotting assay that is sensitive t
o both anti-Xa and anti-IIa activity, as well as inhibition of the ext
rinsic pathway by LMWH-stimulated release of tissue factor pathway inh
ibitor. The plasma thrombin neutralization assay has also been used to
measure LMWH and to detect low concentrations to which chromogenic as
says are insensitive, In the clinical setting, monitoring the anti-Xa
activity in patients treated with LMWH after acute deep vein thrombosi
s offered no advantages over a standard weight-adjusted dose. Moreover
, in acute coronary syndromes there is no increase in major hemorrhage
rates with weight-adjusted LMWH. Monitoring of LMWH concentrations ma
y be advisable in the presence of comorbid conditions carrying an incr
eased risk of hemorrhage, such as renal disease, advanced age, severe
over- or underweight, or a history of previous bleeding episodes. (C)
1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.