Low molecular weight heparin in children

Abstract.

Low molecular weight heparins potentially have significant advantages over unfractionated heparin and oral anticoagulants for both the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events in children. Compared to standard heparin, low molecular weight heparins have superior bioavailability, a longer half-life, and a dose-independent clearance, which results in a more predictable anticoagulant response. Low molecular weight heparins are administered subcutaneously and require minimal laboratory monitoring and dose adjustment, offering important benefits to children with poor venous access. In addition, complications including osteoporosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are relatively rare with low molecular weight heparins compared to unfractionated heparin. Conclusion: based on the available data, low molecular weight heparins seem to be an efficient and safe alternative to standard anticoagulation therapy with unfractionated heparin and oral anticoagulants for both treatment and prevention of thromboembolic events in children of varying ages and underlying disorders.