Anticoagulation therapy.

Abstract

Despite refinements and standardization in the use of anticoagulants, many problems remain for clinicians. Dr. Crowther describes appropriate starting and maintenance doses of warfarin, factors accounting for inter- and intra-observer variability and importantly, the management of the over-anticoagulated patients and bleeding patients. Dr. White compares unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and addresses whether there truly are differences in the efficacy and safety of different LMWH's for both arterial and venous indications. Dr. Ortel discusses the management of the problem patient who requires anticoagulants, the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, the pregnant patient, the obese patient, patients who have renal insufficiency and/or liver disease, patients with malignant disease, and other challenging patient populations.