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Patel K, Beyda R. Fixed-dose subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin versus adjusted-dose unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism treatment. Acad Emerg Med. Published online March 18, 2025.

Study Population: Twenty-nine randomized controlled trials involving 10,390 participants diagnosed with venous thromboembolism

Efficacy Endpoints

Recurrent VTE, reduction in thrombus size, mortality

Harm Endpoints

Major hemorrhagic events

Narrative

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major health condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulation therapy is aimed at preventing thrombus propagation and recurrence while minimizing bleeding risks.1 Unfractionated heparin (UFH) has long been the standard of care; however, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is increasingly prescribed due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile and ease of use. LMWH offers the advantage of once or twice daily weight-based dosing without the routine laboratory monitoring required by UFH.1

The updated systematic review and meta-analysis discussed here compared the effectiveness and safety of LMWH versus UFH in the initial management of VTE.2 A total of 29 randomized control trials with 10,390 participants in aggregate were included in this review with prospective follow-up. Participants were subjects with VTE (acute deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism [PE]) confirmed by objective tests. The diagnosis of recurrent DVT (primary outcome) was accepted if one of the following criteria was met: (1) A new, constant intraluminal filling defect does not present on the last available venogram or (2) if the venogram was not diagnostic, either an abnormal ¹²⁵I-fibrinogen leg scan or abnormal impedance plethysmogram or ultrasound result, which had been normal before the suspected recurrent episode. The diagnosis of PE was accepted if one of the following criteria was met: (1) a segmental defect on the perfusion lung scan that was unmatched on the ventilation scan or chest roentgenogram, (2) positive pulmonary angiography, or (c) PE at autopsy.

Initial treatment in the first 5–14 days with fixed weight-based dosing of subcutaneous LMWH was compared to subcutaneous or intravenous (IV) UFH in people diagnosed with VTE. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of symptomatic recurrent VTE in the initial treatment period (15 days) and during follow-up (3 months). The secondary outcome measures included reduction in thrombus size on pre- and posttreatment venograms, major hemorrhagic events during initial treatment or within 48 h post–treatment cessation, and overall mortality at the end of follow-up (6 months).2 Major hemorrhagic events as described by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis include bleeding resulting in death, intracranial hemorrhagic, gastrointestinal bleeding, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, and hemorrhage with hemodynamic instability or blood transfusion.3

From the reported data we calculated the absolute risk difference (ARD) and corresponding number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH). In the initial treatment period (up to 15 days), the primary outcome of incidence of recurrent VTE was lower in participants who were treated with LMWH (odds ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.98, ARD 0.7%, NNT 143; moderate-quality evidence). Furthermore, after a 3-month follow-up period, LMWH was associated with lower rates of recurrent VTE (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.90, ARD 1.4%, NNT 70; moderate-quality evidence). At the end of all follow-up periods (6 months), LMWH was again associated with lower rates of recurrent VTE (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59–0.88, ARD 1.4%, NNT 70; moderate-quality evidence).

Reduction in thrombus size at the end of the follow-up period was more likely to occur with LMWH compared to UFH (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61–0.82, ARD 8.1%, NNT 12; low-quality evidence). The risk of major hemorrhagic events was higher in patients assigned to UFH (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.95, ARD 0.6%, NNH 160; moderate-quality evidence). There was no significant difference found in overall mortality with LMWH versus UFH (moderate-quality evidence).

Caveats

This study analyzed 29 randomized prospective trials, though some design flaws may have introduced bias. The quality of evidence, effect estimates, and publication bias varied across studies. One study exhibited selection bias, six showed attrition bias, and two demonstrated risk bias. Additionally, several studies failed to adequately report randomization methods. The evidence supporting the use of LMWH over UFH in preventing recurrent VTE and bleeding is of moderate quality. However, evidence on LMWH's effectiveness in reducing original clot size compared to UFH is of low quality, with inconsistent findings across studies.

The Clinical Practice Guidelines by the American College of Chest Physicians for the initial treatment of VTE in 2021 recommend anticoagulation therapy as the mainstay initial treatment of VTE. This guideline recommends LMWH over UFH for both initial and long-term management of VTE in the inpatient setting. The preference for LMWH (enoxaparin, dalteparin, tinzaparin) is based on its convenience for outpatient use, lack of routine monitoring requirements, lower risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and subcutaneous administration, which eliminates the need for IV infusion. Additionally, LMWH is the preferred treatment for cancer-related VTE and pregnancy due to its lower bleeding risk. UFH is typically reserved for severe PE cases, particularly in high-risk submassive or massive PE or for patients with renal impairment, as LMWH is renally cleared. UFH is also preferred in cases requiring thrombectomy or thrombolytics, given its rapid reversibility with protamine sulfate in the event of bleeding.4^, 5

The 2020 American Society of Hematology guidelines recommend LMWH as the first-line anticoagulant for VTE, citing comparable efficacy to UFH with fewer complications.6 Similarly, the 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines favor LMWH for managing nonmassive PE and DVT, except in patients with severe renal failure.7

Studies have also explored patient preferences for anticoagulation. Many pregnant patients have expressed concerns about LMWH, citing its high cost, discomfort, and inconvenience.8 Additionally, religious and cultural considerations play a role, as LMWH is derived from porcine products.9

Among patients with cancer, the primary preference is for an anticoagulant that does not interfere with cancer treatment, has a low recurrence rate of VTE, and carries a reduced risk of major bleeding. While convenience of administration is a factor, patients generally prioritize the safety and efficacy of LMWH over ease of use.10

Despite the quality of evidence (moderate) and risk of bias in the included studies, we have assigned an NNT color recommendation of green (benefits > harms) to LMWH compared to UFH for treatment of VTE. In addition to reducing the risk of VTE and lower risk of major hemorrhagic events, LMWH is given subcutaneously once or twice a day and does not require blood testing for close monitoring of coagulation parameters. This adds a logistical benefit to its use and makes it more convenient for patients. UFH, in comparison, needs to have coagulation parameters closely monitored and dosing is adjusted accordingly due to the variability in its effect.

The original manuscript was published in Academic Emergency Medicine as part of the partnership between TheNNT.com and AEM.

Author

Krishna Patel, MD; Raymond Beyda, MD
Supervising Editors: Shahriar Zehtabchi, MD

Published/Updated

May 22, 2025