An Introduction to the Fundamentals of Coagulation: Anticoagulation Therapy

Anticoagulation Therapy - Heparin Therapy

  • The use of heparin is prophylactic. It is used either to prevent thromboembolism (a condition in which a blood clot forms inside a vessel), or used to limit a previous thromboembolism.
  • Heparin inhibits thrombin. The degree of inhibition is dosage dependant.
  • Low doses of heparin inhibit initial thrombin formation in the coagulation cascade, and act to slow down overall thrombin generation.
  • At higher doses, heparin can inhibit thrombin entirely, making blood coagulation impossible.
  • Heparin is a potent anticoagulant. Accurate monitoring is essential.
  • The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and/or activated clotting time is used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy.

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