This article reviews the pharmacokinetic properties of low-molecular weight heparins, compares the results of their use to that of unfractioned heparin in a pulmonary embolism treatment, showing they are a safe an effective alternative. The authors suggest that low-molecular-weight heparins administered subcutaneously once or twice-daily and without frequent laboratory monitoring have permitted out-of-hospital or short hospitalization management in some cases of pulmonary embolism, resulting in cost savings and increased patient satisfaction.
Pulmonary embolism; Heparin; Low-molecular-weight heparin
