Oral anticoagulant therapy for venous thromboembolism
Article Abstract:
Only patients at high risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism should receive anticoagulant drugs indefinitely. Venous thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein and travels to another part of the body. There are no firm guidelines on the length of anticoagulant treatment in these patients. A 1997 study found that patients with venous thromboembolism had a lower risk of recurrent disease when they took anticoagulants for an indefinite period of time. However, they had a higher risk of hemorrhage.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1997
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Warfarin for venous thromboembolism -- walking the dosing tightrope
Article Abstract:
Doctors are trying to find the optimum dose of warfarin that will prevent abnormal blood clot formation but will not cause bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clot formation. A study published in 2003 showed that a dose that produces an international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.5 to 2 was effective in preventing recurring blood clot formation in patients with this disorder.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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Secondary prophylaxis with warfarin for venous thromboembolism
Article Abstract:
People who have a first episode of abnormal blood clotting should be treated with warfarin for 6 to 12 months at a dosage that produces an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2 to 3. This will reduce their risk of a recurrence of abnormal blood clotting and minimize bleeding. They should have regular blood tests so the dose can be adjusted if necessary.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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- Abstracts: Thrombolytic therapy for elderly patients. Sudden death in patients with myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, or both
- Abstracts: The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with an Arg506 to Gln mutation in the gene for factor V (factor V Leiden)