Abstract
This chapter discussed the pharmacology and use of the heparins—standard heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and fondaparinux. The complication of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is also discussed. Heparin functions as an antithrombotic agent by binding antithrombin (AT), promoting inactivation of the active serine proteases involved in blood coagulation (factors IIa, VIIa-TF, IXa, Xa, and XIa). Heparin is a blend of saccharide polymers ranging in molecular weight from 3 to 30,000 Da. A specific pentasaccharide sequence is required for promoting AT activity. This sequence is found in only one-third of the heparin molecules in the heparin currently used. Other polymers found in heparin may have platelet-inhibitory effects or fibrinolytic effects.
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DeLoughery, T.G. (2015). Heparins and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. In: DeLoughery, T. (eds) Hemostasis and Thrombosis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09312-3_22
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09312-3_22
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