ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) used in acute management of patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 102 patients with non-ST segment elevation ACS were treated for at least 48 hours ( > or =5 times) with subcutaneous nadroparin (1 mg/kg each 12 hours). All 102 patients underwent coronary angiographies (CAG) within 8 hours after LMWH injection, followed by immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Anti-Xa activity at the time of catheterization was (0.62 +/- 0.18) IU/ml, and 90% of the patients had anti-Xa activity > 0.5 IU/ml. No death, myocardial infarction relapse or emergent revascularization occurred after PCI. Thrombosis and/or embolism occurred in 2 patients (3.5%) during PCI. Mild hemorrhage was observed in 4 patients (3.9%) of PCI group and in 2 patients (4.4%) in CAG group. No major hemorrhage occurred.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PCI within 8-12 hours of the last dose after > or =48 hours nadroparin subcutaneous injection seems to be effective and safe.</p>