Low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin) is equally effective as unfractionated heparin in reducing coagulation activity and perfusion abnormalities during the early treatment of pulmonary embolism.

Little is known about the differences between unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) with regard to their effects on coagulation activity during treatment for pulmonary embolism. The objective of this study was to compare UFH and LMWH (dalteparin) in the early treatment of pulmonary embolism in terms of control of coagulation markers and perfusion abnormalities. Thirty-seven patients with acute pulmonary embolism were randomized to receive intravenous UFH or subcutaneous dalteparin, each accompanied by acenocoumarol.

Usefulness of a semiquantitative D-dimer test for the exclusion of deep venous thrombosis in outpatients.

Purpose: The D-dimer test is used commonly in diagnostic strategies to reduce the need for ultrasonography in patients suspected of having deep venous thrombosis. We studied several clinical and laboratory variables that might limit the accuracy of a semiquantitative D-dimer test.

Subjects And Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 704 outpatients suspected of having deep venous thrombosis underwent a semiquantitative D-dimer test and ultrasonography.