To clot, or not to clot – antithrombotic therapy is the question

E. Osuch, A. Marais*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Haemostasis and thrombosis rely on three components namely the vascular endothelial wall, blood platelets and the coagulation cascade. Non-physiologic excessive thrombosis occurs when haemostatic processes are dysfunctional, causing undue clot formation or reduced clot lysis. Antithrombotic agents including antiplatelet, anticoagulation and fibrinolytic agents are essential for the prophylaxis and pharmacological management of venous thromboembolism and arterial thrombosis. Anticoagulation treatment options have expanded steadily over the past few decades, providing a greater number of agents. Anticoagulants that directly target the enzymatic activity of thrombin and factor Xa have recently been developed to address the inadequacies of traditional vitamin K antagonists. Appropriate use of these agents requires knowledge of their individual characteristics, risks, and benefits.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbera4966
Pages (from-to)32-40
Number of pages9
JournalSouth African Family Practice
Volume61
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anticoagulant
  • Antiplatelet
  • Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
  • Haemostasis
  • Thromboembolism
  • Thrombolytic therapy
  • Vitamin K antagonists

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