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Postgrad Med J 2005;81:370-375 doi:10.1136/pgmj.2004.024521
  • Review

Direct thrombin inhibitors: novel antithrombotics on the horizon in the thromboprophylactic management of atrial fibrillation

  1. R Katira,
  2. A Chauhan,
  3. R S More
  1. Department of Cardiology, Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr R Katira
 Department of Cardiology, Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR, UK; Ravishkatira.wanadoo.co.uk
  • Received 24 May 2004
  • Accepted 28 October 2004

Abstract

Antithrombotic agents have verified efficacy in reducing the thromboembolic risk associated with atrial fibrillation. This article focuses on the emergence of a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor, ximelagatran, into the arena of atrial fibrillation thromboprophylaxis. This review does not cover atrial fibrillation in the context of valvular heart disease. The efficacy of aspirin and warfarin will be discussed briefly.

Footnotes

  • Funding: none.

  • Competing interests: none. The authors have not received reimbursement or sponsorship from AstraZeneca.

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