Evolving concepts in the treatment of venous thromboembolism: the role of factor Xa inhibitors.
Anticoagulation is an essential component of the care of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Traditional anticoagulants for the treatment of VTE include unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and the oral vitamin K antagonist, warfarin. A variety of anticoagulant agents with improved pharmacologic and clinical profiles are emerging and offer benefits over the traditional therapies. One of the most recent advances has been the development of new agents, such as oral direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors, that have a more selective and targeted effect on the coagulation cascade. Recent clinical trials have evaluated fondaparinux, the first commercially available factor Xa inhibitor, in the treatment of patients with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and indicate efficacy and safety as compared with traditional options such as UFH and LMWH. Fondaparinux is a welcomed addition to the available antithrombotic options.
Nutescu
Edith A
EA
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. enutescu@uic.edu
Helgason
Cathy M
CM
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000990:Antithrombin III / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006801:Humans; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000990:Antithrombin III; D000077425:Fondaparinux