Unfractionated Heparin Versus Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for Avoiding Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Postoperative Patients

Results fromthe 2 trials indicated that patients given LMWH had a statistically significant lower risk of HIT than did those given UFH (risk ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.07Y0.82; P = .02). Thus, patients treated with LMWH would have a relative risk reduction of 76% in developing HIT compared with those treated with UFH. The results also showed a statistically significant reduction in HIT complicated VTE in patients receiving LMWH compared with UFH (risk ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.04Y0.90; P = .04; 2 trials). This result indicates that patients treated with LMWH would have a relative risk reduction of 80%in developing HIT complicated VTE compared with those using UFH.One patient treated with UFH had arterial thrombosis, and there were no reports on amputation and death.