Ximelagatran vs. Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin and Warfarin for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

tients with acute venousthromboembolismconsistsof5to7daysofunfractionatedheparinorlow-molecular-weighthep-arin,overlappedwithandfollowedbylong-term oral anticoagulation with avitamin K antagonist such as warfa-rin. Heparins must be given parenter-ally, and their administration requiresconsiderable health care resources.Warfarinhasanunpredictabledosere-sponse,interactswithmanydrugs,andcanbeaffectedbychangesindiet;thus,continuedcoagulationmonitoringanddose adjustment are necessary.