Authors

  1. Nadeau, Cheryl RN, MS, FNP-CS, CACP
  2. Varrone, Jerry RN, MS, FNP

Abstract

Each year, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects two million Americans, and pulmonary embolism (PE) affects 600,000. Traditional treatment requires hospitalization to receive continuous intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH), which has substantial pharmacokinetic limitations. Low molecular weight heparins have overcome many of these limitations, resulting in a predictable anticoagulant response without the need for laboratory monitoring or dosage adjustment.