Low-dose heparin in experimental peritonitis.

The aim of this investigation was to study the beneficial role of low-dose heparin in peritonitis. Peritonitis was induced in 20 dogs by the technique of Rosato and co-authors, 10 of which received low-dose heparin subcutaneously for 5 days in a dose of 100 units/kg body weight. Decreased mortality as well as decrease in the formation of intra-abdominal abscesses and adhesions were observed in the heparin-treated dogs. Some of the possible underlying mechanisms for beneficial effects of heparin in peritonitis are discussed.