title: [Which anticoagulants?].
abstract: Anticoagulants used in daily practice include low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and vitamin K antagonists. LMWHs are easy to use by means of adjusted subcutaneous injection, weight-adjusted in case of therapeutic indications. LMWHs are cleared principally by the renal route and are contra-indicated in case of renal insufficiency. The LMWHs are indicated in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. They can be safely administered in pregnancy and during breast-feeding. Oral anticoagulant therapy is the treatment of choice for long term management. Vitamin K antagonists are contra-indicated in pregnancy, especially between the 6th and the 12th week of gestation (risk of embryopathy); they can be given during breast-feeding subject to some precaution. Main indications for vitamin K antagonists are long term treatment of venous thromboembolism, prevention of both arterial and venous thrombo-embolic events associated with the antiphospholipid--antibody syndrome, prevention of systemic embolism associated with heart valves and, rheumatic mitral valve disease and, atrial fibrillation and, acute myocardial infarction.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pathologie Vasculaire, Hôpital Erasme, U.L.B.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wautrecht
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000145:classification* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight