Heparin and low molecular weight heparin in thrombosis and beyond.

Despite efforts in finding and developing new anticoagulants, unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) will continue to play a pivotal role in the management of thrombotic disorders. While bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia represent major side effects of this drug, it has remained the anticoagulant of choicefor the prophylaxis and treatment of arterial and venous thrombotic disorders, surgical anticoagulation and interventional usage. Understanding the heparin structure led to the development of LMWHs, synthetic heparinomimetics, antithrombin and anti-Factor Xa agents.