Venous thromboembolism(VTE) encompasses deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and is a major health burden, both medically and economically. Anticoagulation is the primary treatment and can be divided into three...Venous thromboembolism(VTE) encompasses deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and is a major health burden, both medically and economically. Anticoagulation is the primary treatment and can be divided into three stages: initial, long term and extended treatment. Initial anticoagulation is given to reduce the risk of complications including fatal pulmonary embolism, while long term and extended treatment are aimed at prevention of recurrent VTE. Until recently, initial anticoagulation has only been achievable with administration of parental agents such as unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin, while vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin, have been the mainstay of long term and extended treatment. Factor-Xa inhibitors and direct thrombin inhibitors are oral anticoagulants that are being increasingly utilized as an alternative form of anticoagulation. This article aims to review the current guidelines in the management of VTE, the recent literature regarding novel anticoagulants in VTE, suggested treatment regimes and limitations.展开更多
文摘Venous thromboembolism(VTE) encompasses deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and is a major health burden, both medically and economically. Anticoagulation is the primary treatment and can be divided into three stages: initial, long term and extended treatment. Initial anticoagulation is given to reduce the risk of complications including fatal pulmonary embolism, while long term and extended treatment are aimed at prevention of recurrent VTE. Until recently, initial anticoagulation has only been achievable with administration of parental agents such as unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin, while vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin, have been the mainstay of long term and extended treatment. Factor-Xa inhibitors and direct thrombin inhibitors are oral anticoagulants that are being increasingly utilized as an alternative form of anticoagulation. This article aims to review the current guidelines in the management of VTE, the recent literature regarding novel anticoagulants in VTE, suggested treatment regimes and limitations.
