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Unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparins are both used for prophylaxis against thromboembolism in general medical inpatients. When unfractionated heparin is used, the dose is generally 5000 units, given subcutaneously either twice daily (BID) or three times daily (TID). Because BID and TID dosing have not been compared in head-to-head trials, researchers conducted this meta-analysis of 12 studies involving hospitalized medical patients.
Unfractionated heparin was given BID in five studies (6314 patients) and TID in seven studies (1664 patients). After adjustment for baseline risk, there were no significant differences between BID and TID dosing for the combined endpoint of any deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. However, in …