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Low molecular weight heparin

Starting treatment
Indications
Dosing and monitoring
Complications
Indications

Use low-molecular-weight heparin rather than heparin for DC cardioversion for atrial fibrillation c

Why?

  • Anticoagulation reduces embolic events following DC cardioversion for atrial fibrillation or flutter c

Atrial fibrillation: anticoagulation reduces embolic events following cardioversion

Patient Treatment Comparison Outcome CER RRR
(95% CI)		 NNT
(95% CI)
atrial fibrillation undergoing cardioversion c anticoagulation no anticoagulation embolic events
at 3-6 months 		2.2% 100%
 45
(25 to 220)


Expiry date: May 2003
Levels of Evidence used in grading these guides

With thanks to Drs. David Keeling, John Reynolds, David Sackett, Sharon Straus and Alan Townsend 
 for use of their anticoagulation guide on which this one is based.

Author   CM   Ball
Reviewer   A   Gallus
CAT Writer   CM   Ball