Low recurrence rate after deep calf-vein thrombosis with 6 weeks of oral anticoagulation

• OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the recurrence rate after deep calf-vein thrombosis treated with 6 weeks of oral anticoagulation. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A 2 year follow-up of 126 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine with venographically verified deep calf-vein thrombosis. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six patients were treated with warfarin for 6 weeks, 18 of them having had a previous episode of venous thrombosis (DVT). Eleven patients (8.7%) suffered a recurrent thromboembolic episode within 2 years, four of which were within the first 3 months. Eight of those without a history of DVT had a recurrence (7.4%). Three of these were activated protein C (APC)-resistant, one was protein C-deficient and one had malignant melanoma. Eight patients (6.3%) reported minor haemorrhagic complications, but no major bleeding was seen. CONCLUSION: Our data support the use of a 6 week regimen of secondary oral prophylaxis after a first episode of deep calf-vein thrombosis in patients without a permanent risk factor. Whether individuals with inherited thrombophilia require prolonged treatment remains to be evaluated.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kardiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Radiologi och bildbehandling (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

calf-vein thrombosis

oral anticoagulation

recurrence rate

Publikations- och innehållstyp

art (ämneskategori)

ref (ämneskategori)