title: PK evaluation of fondaparinux sodium for the treatment of thrombosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fondaparinux sodium (pentasaccharide) was the first of a new class of antithrombotic agents developed for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), blocking thrombin generation by selectively inhibiting factor Xa.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review focuses on the currently available information evaluating the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy and safety of fondaparinux in the prevention and treatment of VTE and treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fondaparinux is an alternative to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) for thromboprophylaxis in various clinical settings (major orthopedic surgery of the lower limbs, major abdominal surgery, immobilized medical patients at high risk of VTE), as well as for the treatment of VTE (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). It is currently challenged, in the context of both surgical thromboprophylaxis and acute VTE treatment, by the new oral anticoagulants. Fondaparinux remains the sole drug validated in patients with isolated superficial vein thrombosis of the lower limbs, and at prophylactic doses is a good alternative to LMWH at anticoagulant doses for patients with ACS, especially those ineligible for percutaneous coronary intervention.
authors.affiliation: Université Jean Monnet, EA3065 , F-42023 Saint-Etienne , France.
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Delavenne
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Frappé
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zufferey
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mismetti
authors.forename: Silvy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laporte
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bertoletti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006801:Humans; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000077425:Fondaparinux