Advantages of low molecular weight heparin – Cardiology MCQ

Advantages of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) over unfractionated heparin (UFH) includes all of the following except:
a) Nearly complete absorption after subcutaneous administration
b) More predictable dose-effect relationship
c) More platelet activation
d) Lower risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia syndrome
Correct answer: c) More platelet activation
Low molecular weight heparin produces less of platelet activation than UFH. Though the risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (HIT) is lower with LMWH, it cannot be substituted for UFH once HIT has occurred as the HIT antibodies crossreact with LMWH. If anticoagulation is needed in HIT, bivaluridin can be used.