MONITORING HEPARIN-THERAPY TO MANAGE THROMBOTIC DISEASE

The acute and long-term management of deep vein thrombosis and thromboembolism are evolving rapidly. The use of unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin in such therapy is the focus of this article. Included are current indications, recommended laboratory monitoring approaches, and the shortcomings of basing such recommendations on studies that do not control variables that affect prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time. This article is the third in a four-part continuing education series on hematology. Other articles focus on the antiphospholipid syndromes, oral anticoagulants in thromboembolic disease, and thrombolytic therapy. The exam will appear in the May issue.