Secondary prevention in thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome.
Secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is usually made using vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) to maintain an international normalized ratio (INR) between 2.0 and 3.0. The optimal intensity of anticoagulation was determined in two prospective randomized controlled trials, both excluding the benefit of more intense anticoagulation. The same regimen is also recommended in patients with APS and arterial thromboembolism as aspirin does not appear to protect against recurrences. The duration of treatment is usually indefinite because of a substantial risk of recurrence.
Clinical Cardiology, Thrombosis Centre, Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. vittorio.pengo@unipd.it
V
V
Pengo
G
G
Denas
A
A
Banzato
E
E
Bison
A
A
Bracco
M
M
Facchinetti
A
A
Hoxha
A
A
Ruffatti
D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D014812:Vitamin K