Long-term efficacy and safety of a low molecular weight heparin in chronic hemodialysis patients. A comparison with standard heparin

The efficacy and safety of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) given as a single predialysis bolus injection was compared to standard heparin (SH) administered with a continuous infusion in a randomized, 6 month, open follow-up study in 70 patients undergoing hemodialysis. No major bleeding or adverse events were encountered during a total of 4,000 dialysis procedures (2,000 with LMWH). Clot formation in the extracorporeal circuit was minimal and comparable between the groups at 4, 13, and 26 weeks after the start of the study. No accumulation of LMWH anticoagulant activity was noted. It is concluded that the use of LMWH is a safe, effective, and less complex alternative to SH.