Anticoagulants: their adverse effects and reversal

Introduction: A balance between the coagulation systems is achieved by complicated pathways that involve platelets, the vascular endothelium, the coagulation cascade, and the fibrinolytic system. In case of conditions that predispose to higher coagulability, anticoagulants are used to prevent adverse outcomes. However, strict monitoring is required to maintain the balance of thrombogeneis and prevent dangerous complications such as bleeding

Methodology: we conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE from January 1987 to March 2017. The following search terms were used: anticoagulant, heparin, warfarin, unfractionated heparin, factor Xa inhibitor

Aim of the work: In this study we aimed at understanding the different types of anticoagulants used and also focus on the adverse effects and their reversal

Conclusion: Acute bleeding remains the most important concern when using anticoagulants and its risk is present with all agents. Although this bleeding is rarely fatal, its recognition and proper treatment is crucial and significantly affects outcomes

review of the pathogenesis of pediatric asthma and the effect of Leukotriene modifiers in pediatric asthma management

Background: asthma is the most common chronic illness that affects children. It is described by chronic airway inflammation, remodeling of the airway wall, and airway hyper-responsiveness to non-specific spasms in response to stimuli causing a reversible airflow obstruction. Leukotrienes are one of the primary chemical mediators of inflammation in asthmatic airway, therefore leukotriene modifiers are an important class of drug for treating asthma

Methodology: we conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1981, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: asthma pathophysiology, chemokines, leukotriene, and leukotriene modifiers, Montelukast in asthma management

Aim: our aim was to understand in depth the pathophysiology of pediatric asthma, and to study the effect of leukotriene modifiers in asthma management

Conclusion: for management of pediatric asthma, the leukotriene modifiers play a key role. New studies have shown that they could help in reducing dose and dependency on inhaled corticosteroid for maintenance, and decrease the need of systemic steroids in exacerbation. Leukotriene modifiers can have a positive impact on future asthma management and requires more studies to be done in this subject