Appropriate Anticoagulation Therapy. (Abstracts).

APPROPRIATE ANTICOAGULATION THERAPY. Nada Memon, Robert E. Pieroni, The University of Alabama School of Medicine, Tuscaloosa Program.

The use of anticoagulatants, such as heparin and warfarin, has drastically reduced morbidity and mortality from thrombotic disorders, such as pulmonary embolism, and acute cerebral and coronary events. These medications can have severe side affects, especially if not carefully monitored. Recently, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been found to be effective in a variety of conditions with some less side effects and iced for monitoring than unfractionated heparin, Warfarin levels can be affected by numerous medications, foods and physical conditions with resulting excessive or diminished coagulation. We shall discuss in detail methods for prudent use of anticoagulants in order to avoid either increased bleeding or perpetuation of thrombotic events. Appropriate patient selection for anticoagulation will be underscored.