title: [Indications and limitations of anticoagulant treatment in elderly patients].
abstract: Anticoagulants constitute the rational treatment of thromboembolic accidents occurring in elderly people, but they are often not prescribed because of the risk of haemorrhage. The chronological age by itself is not a contra-indication, the limitations being the diseases associated with ageing. Anticoagulants may be used as curative treatment in atrial fibrillation with dilated left atrium (greater than 45 mm at echocardiography), in myocardial infarction, embolic strokes and complicated arteritis. They may also be used as preventive and curative treatment in phlebitis and pulmonary embolism. The complications of anticoagulant therapy will be better prevented by using the international normalized ratio and by prescribing doses that are adequate for each indication.
authors.affiliation: Centre régional de gériatrie, CHU de Bordeaux, hôpital Xavier-Arnozan, Pessac.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Emeriau
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Decamps
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Dulhoste
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Labbé
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bourdel-Marchasson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bonnel
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manciet
mesh_terms: D015110:4-Hydroxycoumarins; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007192:Indenes; D002542:Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D015110:4-Hydroxycoumarins; D000925:Anticoagulants; D007192:Indenes; C011664:antivitamins K; D014812:Vitamin K; D006493:Heparin
vernacular_title: Indications et limites des traitements anticoagulants chez les personnes âgées.