Developments in antithrombotic therapy: state of the art anno 1996

This review aims to discuss recent developments in antithrombotic therapy. New and specific inhibitors of platelet dependent thrombosis appear to moderately improve the outcome in coronary vascular disease. Further studies will need to address the cost-benefit ratio of this additional intervention. Hirudin and analogues are potent inhibitors of thrombin, and are clinically efficious, but at current dosage levels still complicated by bleeding. Low molecular weight heparin have markedly improved the efficacy of prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism.