American Society of Hirudotherapy

LMWH for perioperative anticoagulation in patients on chronic warfarin therapy.

Research article published in The Annals of pharmacotherapy (2004)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsHeuts et al. · The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review current data regarding low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) use for perioperative anticoagulation in patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy. DATA SOURCES: Data were obtained from the Sixth American College of Chest Physicians Consensus Conference on Antithrombotic Therapy guidelines and a MEDLINE search (1996-January 2003). Search terms included heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, warfarin, perioperative care, and anticoagulants. DATA SYNTHESIS: Heparin is the most common agent used as bridge therapy for perioperative anticoagulation in patients on chronic warfarin therapy; LMWHs are also used. Studies that evaluated enoxaparin and/or dalteparin were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Although published studies demonstrate efficacy and safety of LMWHs, more data are needed to support their use as bridge therapy.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsClinical Trials as TopicFibrinolytic AgentsHeparin, Low-Molecular-WeightHumansPerioperative CareThromboembolismWarfarin

Summary

LMWH for perioperative anticoagulation in patients on chronic warfarin therapy.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review examined current data on low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) use for perioperative anticoagulation bridging in patients on chronic warfarin therapy, drawing on ACCP consensus guidelines and a MEDLINE search (1996–2003) covering enoxaparin and dalteparin. It concluded that while published studies demonstrate efficacy and safety of LMWHs, more data are needed to support their use as bridge therapy. For ASH's domain, the article is relevant only insofar as it concerns anticoagulation management broadly; it does not address leeches, hirudotherapy, or leech-derived anticoagulants. The relevance to hirudotherapy is essentially nil — this is a conventional heparin/warfarin pharmacology review with no leech secretome content. Any interest would be purely contextual, as background on anticoagulant bridging strategies unrelated to leech therapy.

Citation

LMWH for perioperative anticoagulation in patients on chronic warfarin therapy.

Heuts et al. · The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 2004

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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