Argatroban: a review of its use in the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Argatroban, a highly selective direct thrombin inhibitor, is indicated for use as an anticoagulant for the treatment and prophylaxis of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who have, or are at risk for, HIT. Intravenous argatroban improved clinical outcomes and was generally well tolerated in adults with HIT or HIT with thrombosis syndrome (HITTS). In two pivotal, open-label, historically controlled studies in adults with HIT, the incidence of the primary composite endpoint (all-cause death, all-cause amputation, or new thrombosis) was significantly lower in argatroban recipients than in historical controls, and more argatroban recipients than historical controls stayed event-free during the study according to a Kaplan-Meier analysis. In adults with HITTS in these trials, although the incidence of the primary composite endpoint did not differ significantly between argatroban recipients and historical controls, a Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that more patients receiving argatroban than historical controls remained event-free during the study. Major and minor bleeding rates in argatroban recipients were generally similar to those in historical controls in these studies. Argatroban was also an effective anticoagulant in patients with HIT undergoing PCI in three small, uncontrolled trials, pooled data from which showed that most (>or=95%) patients achieved a satisfactory outcome of the PCI procedure and adequate anticoagulation (coprimary endpoints). It was generally well tolerated in these patients, with the incidence of major bleeding being <or=1.1%. The efficacy and safety of argatroban in pediatric patients has not been established. However, a small uncontrolled, preliminary study suggests that it may be useful in seriously ill pediatric patients requiring nonheparin anticoagulation.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Argatroban, a highly selective direct thrombin inhibitor, is indicated for use as an anticoagulant for the treatment and prophylaxis of thrombosis in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who have, or are at risk...

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

More peer-reviewed studies in Klinische Studien.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →