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A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
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Pulmonary embolism: current and new treatment options
Robert J Walter1, Lisa K Moores, David Jiménez
1Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , Bethesda, MD , USA.
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|July 2, 2014
Summary
Direct oral anticoagulants offer a potential improvement in treating pulmonary embolism (PE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). These novel agents may overcome limitations of traditional anticoagulants for all PE patients, including high-risk groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical medical emergency requiring precise diagnosis and individualized treatment.
- Effective management strategies are essential for improving clinical outcomes in PE patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current diagnostic and treatment strategies for PE.
- To evaluate the role of novel direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in PE management.
- To identify special considerations for high-risk and difficult-to-treat PE subpopulations.
Main Methods:
- A narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, clinicaltrials.gov, and NICE.org.uk.
- English-language articles published between 2000-2014 were identified using keywords related to PE, VTE, diagnosis, treatment, and specific DOACs (rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban).
- A snowballing technique supplemented the initial search, with article inclusion based on expert judgment.
Main Results:
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) represent a significant development in anticoagulant therapy.
- DOACs may offer an improved benefit-risk profile compared to traditional anticoagulants.
- These newer agents show promise for managing PE patients, including those in high-risk or hard-to-treat categories.
Conclusions:
- DOACs have the potential to overcome limitations of traditional anticoagulant therapies.
- The use of DOACs may enhance the standard of care for patients with pulmonary embolism.
- Specialized patient subgroups may particularly benefit from the improved safety and efficacy of DOACs.
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