Semin Thromb Hemost 2006; 32(8): 787-792
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-955461
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

New Strategies for the Treatment of Acute Venous Thromboembolism

Paolo Prandoni1 , Anthonie W.A Lensing2 , Raffaele Pesavento1
  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
  • 2Centre for Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
15. Dezember 2006 (online)

ABSTRACT

In recent years, new opportunities have emerged that have the potential to change rapidly the therapeutic scenario of patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Selected patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be treated effectively and safely at home with fixed doses of low molecular weight heparins. The prompt administration of compression elastic stockings in addition to anticoagulant drugs in patients with acute DVT has the potential to halve the rate of late postthrombotic sequelae. The long-term use of low molecular weight heparins is likely to be more effective than oral anticoagulants for the secondary prevention of VTE in patients with advanced malignancy. Patients with pulmonary embolism and right ventricular dysfunction might benefit from the early administration of thrombolytic drugs in combination with heparin to a greater extent than from heparin alone. Despite an impressive amount of clinical information on the proper duration of oral anticoagulants in patients with unprovoked VTE, the optimal long-term treatment of these patients remains undefined. Finally, new categories of drugs are emerging that have the potential to replace conventional anticoagulants in the near future. They include compounds that inhibit factor Xa or thrombin.

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Paolo PrandoniM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Chair of Internal Medicine, University of Padua

Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padua, Italy

eMail: paoloprandoni@tin.it