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.)
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,