Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for thromboprophylaxis in patients with acute atrial fibrillation: a randomized control trial

Acute Card Care. 2011 Sep;13(3):196-8. doi: 10.3109/17482941.2011.567283. Epub 2011 Apr 25.

Abstract

While long-term anticoagulation prevents ischemic stroke in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the optimal initial anti-thrombotic regime in acute AF is less well defined. We randomized 96 patients with new onset acute AF in an emergency admission ward to receive (1) once-daily preparation of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), tinzaparin or (2) conventional intravenous unfractionated heparin (target APTT 50-70 s). 5 patients in unfractionated heparin group compared with no patients in LMWH group (0%, P = 0.04) developed ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack during the first 48 h. An initial subcutaneous LMWH was safe and effective in ischemic stroke prevention in patients with acute AF.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / pathology
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Heparin / administration & dosage
  • Heparin / therapeutic use*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / administration & dosage
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
  • Heparin