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

Jan Astermark, O Bjorgell, E Linden, Stefan Lethagen, P Nilsson, Erik Berntorp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-82
JournalJournal of Internal Medicine
Volume244
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1998

Bibliographical note

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Medical Radiology Unit (013241410), Clinical Coagulation Research Unit (013242510), Emergency medicine/Medicine/Surgery (013240200)

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems
  • Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging
  • Clinical Medicine

Free keywords

  • calf-vein thrombosis
  • oral anticoagulation
  • recurrence rate

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