The use of low molecular weight heparin in a Sicilian teaching hospital

LMWH are replacing unfractionated heparin (UFH) for therapeutic anticoagulation owing to their more predictable pharmacokinetics and ease of use. Especially in Sicily, their prescription volume is steadily increasing in general practice, but little is known about their use in the hospital setting. We investigated LMWH use at the Policlinico Universitario P. Giaccone of Palermo by examining the records of drug dispensation to the wards in the years 2010-2012. From 2010 to 2012 the use of LMWH at Policlinico of Palermo remained stable with a mean of 71 DDD/100 bed days (range 69-73) of drugs dispensed. Enoxaparin, nadroparin and reviparin were the most prescribed molecules, accounting each on…