Keeping the blood flowing: venous thromboembolismprophylaxis and treatment

Venous thromboembolism, which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, continues to be a significant cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally, with notable under-treatment in South Africa. This review explores the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of venous thromboembolism, focusing on current practices in South Africa. Current pharmacotherapeutic options, such as unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparins, warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, fondaparinux, and fibrinolytic agents, are discussed from a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic view, with emphasis on their clinical use as per the South African Essential Medicines List and Standard Treatment Guidelines.