1. The evolution of anticoagulant therapy.
- Author
-
Franchini M, Liumbruno GM, Bonfanti C, and Lippi G
- Subjects
- Administration, Oral, Factor Xa Inhibitors history, Heparin history, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, Humans, Venous Thromboembolism history, Vitamin K antagonists & inhibitors, Factor Xa Inhibitors therapeutic use, Heparin therapeutic use, Venous Thromboembolism drug therapy
- Abstract
Arterial and venous thromboembolism are leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. For almost 70 years, heparins (unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparins) and vitamin K antagonists have been the leading therapeutic medical options for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disorders. Nevertheless, the many limitations of these traditional anticoagulants have fuelled the search for novel agents over the past 15 years, and a new class of oral anticoagulants that specifically target activated factor X and thrombin has been developed and is now commercially available. In this narrative review, the evolution of anticoagulant therapy is summarised, with a focus on newer oral anticoagulants.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF