Treatment of deep vein thrombosis: what factors determine appropriate treatment?
OBJECTIVE
To identify patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for whom in-hospital treatment should be considered.


METHODS
The literature was searched for studies on outpatient treatment of DVT. Seventeen studies were assessed: seven were randomized controlled trials (level I evidence), and 10 were non-randomized trials (level II evidence).


RESULTS
Four criteria can be used to identify patients with DVT for whom outpatient treatment might not be appropriate: presence of massive DVT, presence of symptomatic pulmonary embolism, high risk of bleeding with anticoagulant therapy, and presence of comorbid conditions or other factors that warrant in-hospital care.


CONCLUSIONS
Four criteria can be used to identify patients with DVT for whom in-hospital treatment should be considered.
Douketis
James D
JD
Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. jdouket@mcmaster.ca
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015897:Comorbidity; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D018570:Risk Assessment; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
D000925:Anticoagulants