Prophylactically Effective Doses of Enoxaparin and Heparin Inhibit Prothrombin Activation

Results of randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that unfractionated (UF) and low molecular weight (LMW) heparins reduce the frequency of post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism1–6. UF and LMW heparins are given by subcutaneous injection 2–12 hours pre-operatively, and the injections are then continued for up to 10 days. The prophylactic injections can also begin post-operatively. Prophylactic use of UF and LMW …