Main description:

Anticoagulants are medicines that help prevent blood clots. They are given to people at a high risk of getting clots, to reduce their chances of developing serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks (NHS Choices).

This book is a guide to the latest advances in oral anticoagulant therapy in clinical practice.

Divided into twenty sections, the book begins with an overview of coagulation and haemostasis, and the history and development of oral anticoagulants.

The following sections discuss the role of anticoagulation in different patient groups and disorders, including in pregnancy, in geriatric and paediatric patients, cancer, chronic kidney disease, valvular heart disease, and dental surgery. Both existing and new anticoagulants are covered, with emphasis on pharmacology and safety.

The final chapters of this practical reference explain food and drug interactions, challenges with anticoagulation, bleeding complications, and the role of patient education and counselling during therapy.

Key points

Practical guide to latest advances in oral anticoagulant therapy
Describes the history and development of anticoagulants
Covers role of anticoagulation in different patient groups and disorders
Discusses pharmacology and safety of both new and existing anticoagulants

Contents:

Overview of Coagulation and Hemostasis
Anticoagulants: Oral and Parenteral Agents
Indications of Anticoagulation Therapy
Oral Anticoagulants: From Discovery to Clinical Practice
Vitamin K Antagonists in Thromboembolic Disorders
Tests for Monitoring Adequacy and Efficacy of Anticoagulation Therapy
Initiation and Maintenance of Vitamin K Antadonists Therapy
Anticoagulation in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillaion
Prevention and Management of DVT and PE, and Role of Vitamin K Antagonists
Anticoagulation in Valvular Heart Disease
Anticoagulation in Special Situations: Pregnancy
Anticoagulation in Special Populations: Geriatric and Pediatric
Anticoagulation in Special Situations: Cancer
Anticoagulation in Special Situations; Chronic Kidney Disease
Anticoagulation in Major and Minor Surgeries
Anticoagulation in Dental Surgeries
Bleeding Complications with Vitamin K Antagonists
Food and Drug Interactions
Real-World Challenges with Anticoagulation
Role of Patient Education and Counselling during Anticoagulation Therapy