Indications, Management, and Patient Education: Anticoagulation Therapy

The Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome: An Overview

“…Patients should receive teaching about the self-administration of heparin in a systematic format with opportunities for return demonstration and frequent reinforcement (Cosico & Rothlauf, 1992). The most common injection sites include the posterior aspect of the upper arms and the lateral aspect of the thighs.…”

“…The most common injection sites include the posterior aspect of the upper arms and the lateral aspect of the thighs. Although the abdomen is an appropriate site for heparin injections in nonpregnant patients, abdominal injection is controversial during pregnancy because of the risk of hematoma development in the rectus muscles (Cosico & Rothlauf, 1992). Small areas of bruising at injection sites are common with heparin treatment, but the patient should be counseled that oozing after injections or bleeding from other areas is an abnormal finding that should be evaluated.…”

Home Infusion Therapies for Obstetric Patients

“…Heparin is an anticoagulant indicated for the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and other clotting disorders. In a low-dose regimen, heparin can prevent thrombosis associated with cardiac arrhythmias, coagulation disorders, cardiovascular disease, and perioperative and postoperative immobilization (Cosico 8r Rothlauf, 1992). Heparin also is used in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortions caused by alloimmune and autoimmune etiologies (Branch, 1991).…”

“…The anticoagulant effect of heparin is commmly monitored by the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). It is recommended that the aPTT be kept at a level of 1.5-2.0 times the norm (Cosico & Rothlauf, 1992).…”