James' Unwanted Blood Clots
James' thrombosis was successfully treated.
That's right!
The heparin reduced the ability of James' blood to form clots. It did so by activating some of the antithrombin III that was circulating in James' blood. The activated antithrombin III inactivated thrombin and several other clotting factors including Xa (the major physiological effect of antithrombin III is via inhibition of factor Xa)
A serious side effect of the administered heparin is the possibility of an uncontrolled hemorrhage.
James was only given heparin long enough to control his thrombosis.
Treatment part two:
During the second part of James treatment, the heparin was discontinued and James took a daily dose of warfarin for three months.
Warfarin reduces blood clotting by reducing the amount of vitamin K in the circulation.