heparinisering

Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant, primarily derived from animal sources such as porcine intestinal mucosa or bovine lung tissue. It is widely used in medical settings to prevent blood clots, particularly in patients undergoing surgery, experiencing heart attacks, or receiving certain types of cancer treatment. Heparin works by binding to antithrombin III, a plasma protein that inhibits several clotting factors, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots.

Heparin is available in various forms, including unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and fondaparinux. UFH is the original form of heparin and is administered intravenously. LMWH, such as enoxaparin and dalteparin, is also administered intravenously but has a longer half-life and is often used for outpatient treatment. Fondaparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide that is administered subcutaneously and has a similar mechanism of action to LMWH.

The dosage of heparin is typically based on the patient's weight and the specific medical condition being treated. Monitoring of heparin therapy is crucial to prevent both underdosing, which can lead to clot formation, and overdosing, which can result in bleeding. This monitoring is usually done by measuring the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or the anti-Xa activity.

Heparin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as bleeding, especially in patients with a history of bleeding disorders or those taking other anticoagulants. It can also cause osteoporosis due to its effect on bone metabolism. Therefore, it is important to use heparin judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.