1. Rev Med Suisse. 2014 Feb 5;10(416):326-33.

[Why, when and how to monitor new oral anticoagulants].

[Article in French]

Tamigniau A, Douxfils J, Nicolas JB, Devalet B, Larock AS, Spinewine A, Dincq AS,
Lessire S, Gourdin M, Watelet JB, Mathieux V, Chatelain C, Dogné JM, Chatelain B,
Mullier F.

Several direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now widely used in the prevention 
and treatment of thromboembolic events. Unlike vitamin K antagonists, DOACs
exhibit predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. DOACs are to be
administered at fixed doses without routine coagulation monitoring. However, in
some patient populations or specific clinical circumstances, measurement of drug 
exposure may be useful, such as in suspected overdose, in patients with a
haemorrhagic or thromboembolic event during treatment with an anticoagulant, in
those with acute renal failure, or in patients who require urgent surgery. This
article provides practical guidance on laboratory testing of DOACs in routine
practice and summarizes the influence of DOACs on commonly used coagulation
assays.

PMID: 24624625  [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]