Embolie pulmonaire aiguë : prise en charge actuelle et perspectives

The current therapeutic approach of pulmonary embolism is mainly based on anticoagulant drugs. Low-molecular-weight heparin and fondaparinux are the two main drugs for the initial period. Unfractionated heparin remains indicated for a few patients with a contraindication to the former drugs. Outpatient treatment for low-risk patients, the role of thrombolytic treatment in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism, the indications of temporary vena cava filters and the optimal duration of anticoagulant treatment in patients with unprovoked pulmonary embolism are currently investigated in large phase III studies. Finally, several oral inhibitors of Factor IIa and Factor Xa are currently investigated in large trials.