Low Molecular Weight Heparin Paper Low molecular fat heparin is usually used for individuals who need to be treated for deep problematic vein thrombosis. Profound vein thrombosis (DVT) is known as a blood clog (thrombus) in a deep vein usually inside the legs. These types of clots happen to be dangerous because they can break loose, travel through the blood vessels to the lung area, and obstruct blood flow inside the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
There are numerous reasons why clots form within a patient.
Primarily when a affected person is non-active or bedridden for long periods of time, surgery can damage a blood vessel thus a clot can form, and even cancer might cause DVT to create. Treatments pertaining to DVT happen to be drugs called anticoagulants that can prevent the blood from coagulation thus stopping the adverse effects from a clot. Low molecular fat heparin works by binding to a substance called antithrombin 3 (which may be the major inhibitor of thrombin in the blood). The overall effect of heparin is the fact it turns off the coagulation pathway and prevents clots from forming.
It can be used like a subcutaneous treatment which can be given in an outpatient setting with no increased likelihood of recurrent thromboembolism or blood loss complications. Seeing that most people with DVT require a number of diagnostic testing, treatment with intravenous heparin and a three to eight day clinic stay therefore making low molecular excess weight heparin a better alternative. (aafp. org1999) Yet , with low molecular weight heparin, as being a subcutaneous injection makes the method easier for the patient simply because they do not have to spend all that extra time in the clinic.
The ultimate consequence of a blood clot can be stroke or perhaps heart attack thus prevention of those events is the consequence of the drug. Sadly, just like various other drugs there are some serious side effects to currently taking LMWHs. They are contraindicated with patients with an indwelling epidural catheter, they can be offered two several hours after the epidural is taken off. If it is presented before the epidural is applied for then they have found it to be linked to epidural hematoma. Bleeding is an essential concern when taking anticoagulation therapy.
Some of the other prevalent adverse effects to heparin are hematoma, nausea, anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, and edema. There is a low choice of side effects with monitoring and patient recognition. When analyzing a patient in anticoagulants the nurse should ensure individuals know the unwanted effects to be aware of and arrange follow up care. Cranberry juice must be avoided because it can affect the INR results. Patients ought to seek urgent medical care for injuries, particularly a brain injury, due to the hemorrhage risk.
As a health professional you need to screen your sufferer while on these drugs due to bleeding factor. (nursingtimes. net2012) References Gee, Emma. (2011) How to maintain a patient on anticoagulant therapy. January twenty two, 2011 Retreived from www. nursingnet. net on Come july 1st 2012 Lilley, Rainforth Collins, Harrington, Snyder. (2011) Pharmacology and the Medical Process Copyright laws 2011 Mosby Inc. Rydberg, J Eric MD. (1999) Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Elimination and Treating DVT Retrieved from www. aafp. org