Semin Thromb Hemost 2009; 35(1): 009-022
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214144
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Milestones and Perspectives in Coagulation and Hemostasis

Giuseppe Lippi1 , Emmanuel J. Favaloro2 , Massimo Franchini3 , Gian Cesare Guidi1
  • 1Sezione di Chimica Clinica, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy
  • 2Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
  • 3Servizio di Immunoematologia e Trasfusione – Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 March 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Hemostasis is traditionally defined as the physiologic process whereby bleeding is antagonized and possibly stopped to minimize blood loss. The first medical description of the clinical and inherited features of hemostasis can be dated back more than 1000 years, when Abu al-Qasim Khalaf ibn ‘Abbas al-Andalusi al-Zahrawi’ medical treatise provided some initial insights into this puzzling process. Since then, continuous and revolutionary scientific developments have contributed to decoding several aspects of this intricate but essential physiologic phenomenon, providing a reliable model to explain the leading mechanisms involved. Although the point at which bleeding stops is commonly referred to as “coagulation,” blood coagulation is actually only one part of a two-part hemostatic process that develops through sequential steps referred to as primary and secondary hemostasis. Throughout its activation and development, the coagulation cascade is strictly regulated by a series of natural inhibitors, which prevent unnecessary and excessive clotting. The aim of this article is to provide a concise overview of the major discoveries and past and current perspectives in coagulation and hemostasis.

REFERENCES

Prof. Giuseppe LippiM.D. 

Sezione di Chimica Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Verona

Ospedale Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale Scuro, 10 37134 Verona, Italy

Email: giuseppe.lippi@univr.it