Oral anticoagulation therapy in the treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism

Abstract

Venous thromboembolic disease, which includes pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis, is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Management of patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism is challenging, due to the wide spectrum of clinical presentation and possible outcomes. Certainly, anticoagulant therapy is the basis of treatment for these patients. Until recently, parenteral anticoagulants and oral vitamin K antagonists were used to achieve an anticoagulant effect. These drugs still have their place in the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease, but new, i.e. direct oral anticoagulants have replaced oral vitamin K antagonists due to their more favorable pharmacological characteristics. In this paper, based on available literature, clinical trials and good clinical practice guidelines, we highlight critical errors and discuss potential advantages and disadvantages of oral anticoagulants.