Inhalational use of antithrombotics in humans: Review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction Off label use of anticoagulants is common. The association between fibrin deposition in the lungs and primary lung disease, injury or prematurity affords a strong theoretical basis for the potential benefit of antithrombotic therapies administered directly to the lung tissue. This review offers a critical appraisal of current evidence related to the inhalational administration of antithrombotic therapy in humans. Materials and methods An interrogation of 2 databases across a 13 year period of time was undertaken using key words selected a priori. Identified publications were categorized according to the following themes:Inhaled antithrombotic therapy in healthy subjectsInhaled a..