Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Hirudins in the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and in thrombosis prophylaxis

Research article published in Hamostaseologie (2002)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDesarrollo de fármacosLubenow N et al. · Hamostaseologie, 2002

Abstract

Approved indications for the recombinant hirudins lepirudin (Refludan(R)) und desirudin (Revasc(R)) are therapy of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and thrombosis prophylaxis following knee or hip replacement surgery. Kidney function dependent pharmacokinetics and their capability of inducing antibodies directed against hirudin are characteristic of this class of drugs. However, close dose-monitoring allows safe and effective use of both compounds. While lepirudin is used widely, besides danaparoid, for treatment of HIT, desirudin has not yet been widely accepted for thrombosis prophylaxis following knee or hip replacement surgery.

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

Publication typeEnglish AbstractJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsHeparinHirudin TherapyHumansRecombinant ProteinsThrombocytopeniaThrombosis

Resumen

Hirudins in the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and in thrombosis prophylaxis.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This article reviews the clinical use and pharmacological properties of the recombinant hirudins lepirudin and desirudin for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and thrombosis prophylaxis following knee or hip replacement surgery. The abstract notes that these compounds have kidney-function-dependent pharmacokinetics and can induce anti-hirudin antibodies, but close dose-monitoring allows safe and effective use. While lepirudin is widely used for HIT management, desirudin has not been widely accepted for thrombosis prophylaxis. For ASH's domain, this is relevant as it discusses the therapeutic translation and clinical monitoring of pharmaceutical agents based on hirudin. However, the article focuses solely on these recombinant drugs and does not provide new primary data on live hirudotherapy or the broader leech secretome.

Citación

Hirudins in the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and in thrombosis prophylaxis

Lubenow N et al. · Hamostaseologie, 2002

DOIPubMed

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Drug PipelineDrug DevelopmentDirect Thrombin InhibitorsSafety ProtocolsAeromonas ManagementHirudinAnticoagulation CompoundsHemostasisOtolaryngology

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

Este sitio web proporciona información educativa y no constituye consejo médico, diagnóstico ni recomendaciones de tratamiento. La terapia con sanguijuelas medicinales conlleva riesgos clínicamente significativos y debe ser realizada únicamente por profesionales calificados bajo protocolos aprobados institucionalmente. La autorización 510(k) de la FDA para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas; las discusiones sobre uso investigativo y fuera de indicación se señalan correspondientemente. Para orientación médica específica, consulte a un profesional de salud calificado.