Harefuah
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Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a relatively new biotechnology backed by over two decades of research in diverse areas. With its growing use for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine may be the discipline in which translational use of PRP has progressed most rapidly. PRP therapy involves the injection of a small volume of plasma or the application of PRP gel foam directly to the site of injury. ⋯ Clinical interventions in sports and musculoskeletal medicine aim to achieve predictable, rapid tissue repair and enhance wound heating and to restore the high mechanical performance and functional levels of non-injured tissue in the shortest possible time. PRP may be a remarkable step forward in this quest. This review will evaluate the evolution and most recent contributions of PRP treatment.
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Anticoagulant therapy is based on two veteran drugs, which have been in use for over 60 years: heparin and warfarin. Due to the limitations of these agents, new parenteral anticoagulants have been introduced, mainly the low molecular weight heparins, fondaparinux and direct thrombin inhibitors. The need to develop new drugs has led to major efforts by the pharmaceutical industry and many promising anticoagulant oral agents are being tested. ⋯ Two oral agents, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, have recently been approved in Europe. Dabigatran inhibits thrombin, while rivaroxaban is factor X inhibitor. Other drugs include apixaban, idraparinux and are in Phase III studies.