title: Use of the Direct Oral Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism.
abstract: In the past 2 decades, the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as alternatives to the standard therapy (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin followed by vitamin K antagonists [VKA]), for the acute and extended treatment of venous thromboembolism. The DOACs have a more favorable pharmacologic profile and a predictable anticoagulant response and, therefore, have the potential to overcome some of the limitations associated with the use of VKA. Several ongoing registries are evaluating the use of the DOACs in routine clinical practice and will provide additional information in less selected patient populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Insubria, Via Guicciardini 9, Varese 21100, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicoletta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Riva
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Insubria, Via Guicciardini 9, Varese 21100, Italy. Electronic address: agewal@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ageno
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014812:Vitamin K
keywords: Antithrombins; Factor Xa inhibitors; Pulmonary embolism; Venous thrombosis