title: Superficial vein thrombosis: a current approach to management.
abstract: Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) was considered to be a benign and self-limiting condition. However, it is now appreciated that a significant proportion of those presenting with SVT will have concomitant deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or are at significant risk of developing deep venous thromboembolism. Potential therapeutic options include topical preparations, compression therapy (stockings, bandages), medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anticoagulants (therapeutic or prophylactic doses) and surgery, ligation or stripping, of superficial veins. The treatment of choice is therapeutic/intermediate dose low molecular weight heparin or prophylactic dose fondaparinux administered for 4-6 weeks. The cost-effectiveness of treatment is a concern and more targeted therapy is required.
authors.affiliation: Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Ali Jassem
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mahdi
authors.forename: Raza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alikhan
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D011134:Polysaccharides; D000077425:Fondaparinux
keywords: anticoagulation; superficial vein thrombosis; thrombophlebitis