A Comparison of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Administered Primarily at Home with Unfractionated Heparin Administered in the Hospital for Proximal Deep-Vein Thrombosis

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute proximal deep-vein thrombosis are usually treated first in the hospital with intravenous standard (unfractionated) heparin. However, the longer plasma half-life, better bioavailability after subcutaneous administration, and more predictable anticoagulant response of low-molecular-weight heparins make them attractive for possible home use. We compared these two approaches. METHODS: Patients with acute proximal …