Sometimes Less is Better
The Treatment of Thromboembolism
Author(s)
Department of Family Medicine and Pharmacy Practice
University at Buffalo
amw25@buffalo.edu
Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics & Policy
University of Southern California
t.nguyen@usc.edu
Abstract
“Ed Cramer” is a 47-year-old mechanical engineer who is being treated for venous thromboembolism. He was 45 when he first developed a blood clot in the lower part of his left leg and had to be hospitalized for five days. A year later, he developed a second blood clot, which almost killed him. This case study explores the physiology and treatment of venous thromboembolism, a condition which kills 60,000 people each year in the United States. The case was developed for use in graduate-level courses in medicine and pharmacy.
Objectives
- To review the physiology and pathophysiology of the coagulation cascade.
- To be introduced to contemporary developments in the treatment of venous thromboembolism.
- To gain an appreciation of the statistical methodology employed, as well as analyzing in-depth the tables and charts provided in the article.
- To conduct a thorough critical appraisal of an article in the current medical literature.
- To apply knowledge gained and conclusions from the current medical literature to treatment decisions in a specific patient case.
Keywords
Venous thromboembolism; anticoagulation; coagulation cascade; Virchow's Triad; warfarin therapyTopical Areas
N/AEducational Level
Graduate, Professional (degree program), Clinical education, Continuing educationFormat
PDFType / Methods
Interrupted, Journal Article, Role-PlayLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Pharmacy / Pharmacology | Physiology | Medicine (General) |
Date Posted
08/16/04Teaching Notes
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