Elimination of unfractionated heparin – Cardiology MCQ

Principal route of elimination of unfractionated heparin:
a) Renal
b) Hepatic
c) Reticuloendothelial system
d) None of the above
Correct answer: c) Reticuloendothelial system
Unfractionated heparin being a large molecule, is eliminated mainly by the reticuloendothelial system, like abciximab. Renal excretion plays only a minor role in the elimination of unfractionated heparin from the body and hence it can be used with better safety profile in the presence of renal dysfunction. In contrast, a significant amount of low molecular weight heparin (most commonly used being enoxaparin) is eliminated by renal excretion (about forty percent by glomerular filtration) and hence dose has to be reduced in renal insufficiency.

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Source: Cardiophile MD - May 30, 2015 Category: Cardiology Authors: Prof. Dr. Johnson Francis, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP Edin, FRCP London Tags: Cardiology MCQ DM / DNB Cardiology Entrance Source Type: blogs