Low molecular weight heparins and heparinoid, a recent development in anticoagulant treatment: Application in hemodialysis

It is presently well established that the new LMW-heparins and heparinoid are effective as anticoagulant during haemodialysis. The increased safety in terms of bleeding enhancement has still to be established in controlled clinical studies. The current development is however of great interest also in view of other side effects associated with the use of conventional heparin. LMW-heparin and heparinoid have already been successfully used as alternative anticoagulants in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The outcome of further studies may be of potential interest for patients being under long term haemodialysis treatment. Future application of these new drugs in haemodialysis will to our present view, depend much upon the cost benefit ratio.