[New strategies in the secondary prevention of relapsing venous thromboembolism].
Treatment of venous thromboembolism includes an acute phase treatment, followed by a secondary prophylaxis period. Oral anticoagulants have been the usual treatment for secondary prophylaxis of VTE. However, some issues regarding oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT), such as length or intensity are controversial. The appropriate duration of OAT depends on the individual risk of both, thrombotic recurrence and hemorrhagic complications. Recent studies suggest that full-dose OAT is more effective and as safe as low-dose OAT. On the other hand, low-molecular-weight heparins are an alternative for the secondary prophylaxis of VTE, being the treatment of choice in patients with cancer or during pregnancy. Probably, new antithrombotic drugs such as idraparinux or ximelagatran, will be considered as another therapeutic alternative in a near future.
Lecumberri
Ramón
R
Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Facultad de Medicina, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
Feliu
Jesús
J
Rocha
Eduardo
E
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight