The duration of therapy following a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is affected by a number of factors. While some patients may require therapy for only a limited period of time, others require lifelong anticoagulation.
Parameters:
(1) number of episodes with deep vein thrombosis
(2) ability to identify the precipitating factor(s)
(3) temporal nature of precipitating factor(s)
Number of DVT Episodes
Precipitating Factor Identified
Precipitating Factor Limited
Recommended Duration Therapy
1
No
NA
6 months
1
Yes
Yes
3 months or until risk no longer present
1
Yes
No
6 months to indefinite
>= 2
No
NA
12 months to indefinite
>= 2
Yes
Yes
6 – 12 months or until risk is no longer present
>= 2
Yes
No
12 months to indefinite
Modifying factors:
(1) A patient at risk for bleeding may be treated for a shorter period of therapy if there is no strong risk for a recurrent thrombotic episode.
(2) A patient with a history of thrombosis but who is no longer taking anticoagulants should be evaluated for prophylactic therapy if undergoing a process associated with increased thrombotic risk (immobilization, pregnancy, surgery, etc.)
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