Desirudin
Desirudin
Desirudin (pronounced: deh-SEE-roo-din) is a direct thrombin inhibitor used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. It is a synthetic form of a naturally occurring protein found in the saliva of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis).
Etymology
The name "Desirudin" is derived from the Latin "desire" meaning "to long for" and "rudis" meaning "raw or unskilled". This is likely a reference to the drug's ability to prevent the formation of blood clots, a process that can be seen as "longing for" a state of health and "unskilled" in the sense that it is not a natural bodily function.
Usage
Desirudin is administered by subcutaneous injection and works by directly inhibiting the action of thrombin, an enzyme that plays a key role in the formation of blood clots. By blocking the action of thrombin, Desirudin prevents the formation of fibrin, a protein that forms the framework of blood clots.
Related Terms
- Direct thrombin inhibitor: A class of medication that prevents blood clots by directly inhibiting the action of thrombin.
- Deep vein thrombosis: A condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body, often in the legs.
- Hip replacement: A surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant.
- Medicinal leech: A species of leech used for medical purposes, including the production of Desirudin.
- Subcutaneous injection: A method of administering medication under the skin.
- Thrombin: An enzyme that plays a key role in the formation of blood clots.
- Fibrin: A protein that forms the framework of blood clots.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Desirudin
- Wikipedia's article - Desirudin
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