Korean J Hematol.  1999 Aug;34(3):376-381.

Effect of Low Molecular Weight Heparin on Plasma Thrombin-Antithrombin Complex and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

• Park SG
• Oh SW
• Kang MS
• Lim SW
• Cha DH
• Oh D

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The anticoagulant efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as an alternative substitute for standard heparin (SH) was evaluated by measuring thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI).
METHODS
Twenty-two patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were divided into three groups and plasma heparin concentration, platelet count, aPTT, TAT and TFPI before and after injection of SH and LMWH were measured.
RESULTS
Plasma heparin concentrations were well correlated after the injection of heparin in group B (LMWH 200 U/kg) and C (LMWH 240 U/kg), but not in group A (SH). Platelet counts were not decreased in most patients and life-threatened bleeding was not observed in any patients. APTT prolongations were observed in all patients of SH group, but not in any patients of B and C. TAT levels were not significantly different between groups. TFPI levels were not significantly different between groups. Heparin levels were well correlated with TFPI levels, but not with TAT levels.
CONCLUSION
The anticoagulant effect of LMWH up to 240 U/kg/D was not superior over SH in CAD patients, although it has several merits such as no requirement of aPTT monitoring or better predictability.

Keyword

Low molecular weight heparin; Tissue factor pathway inhibitor; Thrombin-antithrombin complex

MeSH Terms

Coronary Artery Disease*
Coronary Vessels*
Hemorrhage
Heparin
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight*
Humans
Plasma*
Platelet Count
Thromboplastin*
Heparin
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
Thromboplastin