Low-molecular-weight heparin and other new antithrombotic drugs

Article Abstract:

Very few drugs that break up or prevent the formation of blood clots have been introduced since the introduction of heparin and vitamin K in the 1950s. Two classes of drugs introduced since then are activators of plasminogen and antiplatelet drugs. Aspirin can prevent blood clots, and heparin and oral anticoagulants are also used. A research study found that low-molecular-weight heparin may be safer and more effective than unfractionated (unhydrolyzed) heparin for preventing blood clots. But low-molecular-weight heparin may decrease blood levels of platelets (blood cells). Patients who suffer from this side effect may be treated with Lomoparin, a heparin-like drug that does not affect platelet levels. Several drugs interfere with the activity of thrombin, an enzyme involved in the formation of blood clots. Antistasin, a drug derived from a Mexican leech, interferes with the early stages of clot formation. Protein C, a blood protein that has anti-blood clot activity, may be infused into patients to prevent clot formation.

Drug therapy, Thrombosis, Fibrinolytic agents, Thrombolytic drugs

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Living with Parkinson's disease

Article Abstract:

A physician with Parkinson's disease describes his struggle to live and be productive, and ultimately his effective treatment with brain surgery. He had to stop working as a surgeon when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, though he was able to change the path of his career and focus on laboratory research. He emphasizes the importance of having a positive attitude through the struggles of daily living. Parkinson's has caused him to choke on food, and made it difficult to dress himself and handle money. The support of his family, friends, and colleagues was essential. After his condition began to deteriorate he had the operation known as a pallidotomy. During this procedure, the part of the brain which is thought to cause many symptoms of Parkinson's, the globus pallidum, is destroyed with heat. Most of his symptoms involving movement resolved and a month after surgery he was active.

Personal narratives, Parkinson's disease, Parkinson disease

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Antithrombotic agents and thromboembolic disease

Article Abstract:

A new class of anticlotting drugs called direct thrombin inhibitors may further reduce the formation of dangerous blood clots after surgery. Current drug therapies affect clotting function more broadly, often require laboratory monitoring, and can cause bleeding complications. Hirudin, bivalirudin and agratroban specifically inactivate thrombin, a key clotting protein. Continued study of the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of these agents will guide their growing clinical application.

Evaluation, Prevention, Complications and side effects, Anticoagulants (Medicine), Anticoagulants, Thrombosis, Deep vein, Deep vein thrombosis, Orthopedic surgery, Enoxaparin, Hirudin

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