Objectives To investigate the efficacy and prognosis of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the treatment for the patients with chronic cor pulmonale during acute attack.

Methods 320 cases patients with chronic cor pulmonale during acute attack, were at random divided into study group (167 cases) and control group (153 cases) all the patients in two groups were given the same routine treatments such as anti-infection, expectorant, relieving spasm, balancing hydro-electrolytic disorder, low flow oxygen inhalation, and conventional digitals, diuretics, vasodilators therapy. In study group, besides routine treatment, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was given. compared clinical features, laboratory results in the two groups before and after the treatment. We followed up these cases during 90 days after treatment, the patients in both groups were observed for comparison of the clinical effect, major adverse events rate, complication, stroke and the death of 90 days.

Results Clinical features, laboratory results in study group were markedly improved after the treatment than those in control group (91% VS 82%) (P < 0.05), the patient in control group was associated with an increase numbers of hospitalisation and shorter time interval for readmission for the patients with chronic cor pulmonale during acute attack (P < 0.05). Morbidity from brain stroke is more frequent in control group than those in study group, 11/167 VS 3/153 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was effective to the patients with chronic cor pulmonale during acute attack.