Anticoagulant therapy for acute venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are currently defined as venous thromboembolism (VTE) since they share pathophysiological features and the treatment is similar in many respects. It has been determined that more than 90% of PE cases originate from DVT in the legs. PE, which is difficult to diagnose, has a mortality rate of 12% when untreated. The worldwide increase in obesity, cancer diseases, and average survival time also contribute to the increase in the incidence of VTE. Traditional treatment of VTE includes heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and warfarin. Despite availability for oral use, warfarin has a narrow therapeutic range and a wide range of food interactions. After many years of research, new oral anticoagulant agents (NOACs) are expected to overcome these handicaps in treatment. In this review, the use of NOACs in the treatment of VTE is investigated in the light of current guidelines.