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Thrombosis Journal
Published in: Thrombosis Journal 1/2016

Open Access 01-10-2016 | Review

Management of venous thromboembolism: an update

Authors: Siavash Piran, Sam Schulman

Published in: Thrombosis Journal | Special Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which constitutes pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, is a common disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Landmark trials have shown that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are as effective as conventional anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in prevention of VTE recurrence and associated with less bleeding. This has paved the way for the recently published guidelines to change their recommendations in favor of DOACs in acute and long-term treatment of VTE in patients without cancer. The recommended treatment of VTE in cancer patients remains low-molecular-weight heparin. The initial management of pulmonary embolism (PE) should be directed based on established risk stratification scores. Thrombolysis is an available option for patients with hemodynamically significant PE. Recent data suggests that low-risk patients with acute PE can safely be treated as outpatients if home circumstances are adequate. There is lack of support for use of inferior vena cava filters in patients on anticoagulation. This review describes the acute, long-term, and extended treatment of VTE and recent evidence on the management of sub-segmental PE.
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Metadata
Title
Management of venous thromboembolism: an update
Authors
Siavash Piran
Sam Schulman
Publication date
01-10-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Thrombosis Journal / Issue Special Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1477-9560
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12959-016-0107-z

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WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

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