New antithrombotic agents in acute coronary syndromes.
OBJECTIVE
Acute coronary syndromes still account for high mortality in many countries. Antithrombotic therapy represents a cornerstone in the therapy of acute coronary syndromes. Recent research has focussed on improving anti-ischemic potency and reducing bleeding complications as well as improving predictability of antithrombotic efficacy.


RESULTS
New antithrombotic drugs such as the factor Xa antagonists and the direct thrombin inhibitors have been developed and evaluated in clinical trials. Fondaparinux and bivalirudin are approved for clinical use in acute coronary syndromes. They improve the risk/benefit ratio and make routine control of their antithrombotic effect unnecessary. Other agents are being developed to further improve and facilitate antithrombotic therapy in acute coronary syndromes.


CONCLUSIONS
Antithrombotic therapy is essential in acute coronary syndrome. New drugs are being developed to enter clinical practice and improve efficacy and safety of this therapeutic strategy.
Moser
Martin
M
Department of Cardiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Martin.Moser@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Bode
Christoph
C
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006629:Hirudins; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013917:Thrombin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000925:Anticoagulants; D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006629:Hirudins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011134:Polysaccharides; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013917:Thrombin; D000077425:Fondaparinux; C074619:bivalirudin