Abstract:

Venous thromboembolism is a disease spectrum that encompasses all pathologic thrombotic conditions observed in human venous system. It is most frequently seen in lower extremity deep veins where it is named as deep vein thrombosis. However, it might also be detected in upper extremity, pelvic and other venous systems of the body. Pulmonary embolism is the life-threatening component of venous thromboembolism. Rapid diagnosis and optimal treatment of are vital for decreasing patient mortality, morbidity, and the incidence of recurrent events. Initial treatment with unfractionated heparin, low-molecular weight heparin, or fondaparinux overlapped with warfarin is the currently approved treatment in most cases. Warfarin monotherapy is then continued for a time period which depends on the specific conditon of patients. These current treatment guidelines were published before the approval of new oral anticoagulants. The advantages of new oral anticoagulants are the ease of use, reduced monitoring requirements, and probably lower bleeding risk than warfarin therapy. This review addresses the current treatment of venous thromboembolism, with a particular emphasis on new oral anticoagulants.

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