heparin + certoparin (Universitätsklinikum Greifswald)

This entry refers to the comparative study of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and certoparin (a low-molecular-weight heparin) within the HIT-TRAP clinical trial. Conducted by University Medicine Greifswald, the Phase 4 trial evaluated the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibodies and thromboembolic complications in trauma patients requiring thrombosis prophylaxis. Both agents are anticoagulants that function by activating antithrombin III, which subsequently inhibits clotting factors such as thrombin (Factor IIa) and activated Factor X (Xa). Certoparin, being an LMWH, typically exhibits a more predictable pharmacokinetic profile and a higher anti-Xa to anti-IIa ratio compared to UFH. The study specifically highlighted that certoparin was associated with a significantly lower rate of HIT-antibody seroconversion (1.7%) than UFH (6.6%) in the trauma patient population.

Brand names

Mono-EmbolexHep-LockLiquaemin

Other names

unfractionated heparinUFHlow-molecular-weight heparinLMWHcertoparin sodiumHIT-TRAP trial interventions