Breaking the Unfractionated Heparin Habit in Acute VTE

Direct oral anticoagulants can be initiated immediately in many patients with low- to moderate-risk acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). But for patients who initially require nonoral treatment, many clinicians continue to choose unfractionated heparin (UFH) despite strong evidence favoring low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Much of this preference stems from the longstanding belief that UFH works faster and is more potent because it’s intravenous. Clinicians also value the drug’s familiarity and easy reversibility, particularly if advanced therapies might be needed. Now, a “Things We Do for No Reason^TM” report revisits the evidence supporting LMWH as the preferred parenteral option for most patients.

Key Points

• LMWH achieves therapeu…