Randomized, blinded trial comparing enoxparin with unfractionated heparin in patients undergoing contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to examine a unique and low dose use of intravenous enoxaparin in elective percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] that would be applicable to an unselected population regardless of age, weight, and renal function. There is limited experience in anticoagulation using intravenous low-molecular-weight heparin in PCI. A total of 100 consecutive patients undergoing elective PCI were treated with a single IV bolus of enoxaparin [0.5mg/kg] in group A of patients [n=50] or with unfractionated heparin in group B of patients [n=50]. Sheaths were removed immediately after the procedure in patients treated with enoxaparin and some hours later in those treated with unfractionated heparin. In group A, ACT was 124.6 +/- 9.3 before PCI and 149.2 +/- 17.1 after that [P<0.05]. In group B, one patient [2.9%] developed groin hematoma. No deaths, MI, or urgent target vessel revascularization were reported. Low- dose [0.5 mg/kg] IV enoxaparin allows a target level of anticoagulation in patients undergoing PCI, appears to be safe and effective, allows immediate sheath removal, and does not require dose adjustment