This year in the tenth edition of guidelines for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment, published in
Chest, 53 updated recommendations were made for appropriate treatment of patients with VTE.
VTE is a condition where blood clots form in the veins and is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide (
World Thrombosis Day). These clots usually form in a deep leg vein, they can also travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Collectively, PE and VTE are called “DVT.”
Here are three key changes made in the tenth edition guidelines:
1. VTE patients without cancer should receive non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants instead of warfarin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant, also known as a “blood thinner,” that decreases the ability of blood to clot (
MedlinePlus). Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants work in a similar way but are thought to induce less major bleeding than warfarin drugs (
International Journal of Cardiology).
2. No longer suggested to use compression stockings to prevent postthrombotic syndrome in cases of acute DVT
Compression stockings are used to improve blood flow to the legs.
3. New series of criteria outline when isolated subsegmental pulmonary embolism (SSPE) patients should and when they should not receive anticoagulant therapy
Source:
Elsevier Health Sciences
