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

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.