ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SC) low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compared to intravenous (IV) non fractioned heparin (NFH) in unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction and post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. METHODS: From September/92 to April/94, 314 patients were randomized in two groups. Group I-- 154 patients treated with SC LMWH, using in the 1st phase SC LMWH with a dosage of 160 UaXa IC/kg/day (group IA--92 patients), and in the 2nd, a dosage of 320 UaXa IC/kg/day (group IB--62 patients). Group II--160 patients treated with IV NFH 100UI/kg (bolus), followed by 1000UI/h with adjusted dosage by activated partial thromboplastin time. RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant difference among the three groups in relation to cardiac events, hemorrhagic complications and deaths. CONCLUSION: The clinical efficacy and safety of SC LMWH in patients with unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction and post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty were similar to IV NFH with the dosages used in this study.
