A double blind comparison of enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin) with standard heparin in the treatment of unstable coronary artery disease "The essence trial"

Background: Combination therapy with aspirin plus heparin reduces the risk of recurrent ischaemic events in patients with unstable angina (UA) and non-Q MI. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), with high and Xa activity, have advantages over unfractionated heparin (UH) that may result in greater efficacy and safety. Methods: In 3171 patients we compared fixed dose subcutaneous enoxaprin (LMWH) (n=1607) 1mg/kg q 12H + ASA with intravenous UH …