Topical heparin: New observations

Topical effects of heparins on the skin need deeper investigations. The lack of evidence is mainly due to the lack of large investments in this field. Three main local actions of heparin on the skin can be defined: (a) the anticoagulant action, (b) the microcirculatory-modulatory action determining important control of the microcirculation in case of excessive vasoconstriction or vasodilatation, and (c) the 'facilitatory action' on skin permeability allowing other drugs to diffuse better and faster into the skin (producing a therapeutic effect). These aspects have to be evaluated more extensively in both experimental and clinical conditions. Recent experimental studies demonstrate these effects of locally applied heparin. Therefore, key questions on local heparin administration such as skin penetration and the action on the local thrombi have promising answers. These observations suggest important clinical applications for local liposomal heparin. Both the potentials of local applications of heparin, particularly with new formulations, and some new aspects in the management of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) can focus on locally applied heparin. SVT is an important clinical condition considering its frequency and the potentially heavy use of local heparin in this clinical problem. Results from new studies and observations presented in this issue of Angiology could be a window for suggesting new significant clinical applications and therapeutic solutions. ©2007 Sage Publications.