Low recurrence rate after deep calf-vein thrombosis with 6 weeks of oral anticoagulation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the recurrence rate after deep calf-vein thrombosis treated with 6 weeks of oral anticoagulation.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Coagulation Disorders, University of Lund, University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
J
J
Astermark
O
O
Björgell
E
E
Lindén
S
S
Lethagen
P
P
Nilsson
E
E
Berntorp
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin