Distinct Effects of Recombinant Desulfatohirudin (Revasc) and Heparin on Plasma Levels of Fibrinopeptide A and Prothrombin Fragment F1.2 in Unstable Angina

Abstract

Our findings provide evidence for distinct in vivo effects of the two agents and suggest that r-hirudin is a relatively more potent inhibitor of thrombin action but a less effective inhibitor of thrombin generation than heparin. The lower FPA levels in hirudin patients may reflect its ability to inactivate clot-bound thrombin. The relative clinical efficacies of the two agents need to be defined by clinical trials in progress.