DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS














  • Reference [7]
DVT location in 166 patients with a proximal DVT diagnosed by venography
Location of DVT % of patients
Popliteal 10%
Popliteal and femoral 42%
Popliteal, femoral, and common femoral 5%
All proximal veins 35%
Common femoral +/- femoral or iliac 8%








  • References [4,31]
ACCP 2021 DVT Risk Factor Categories
DVT provoked by a major transient risk factor
  • Surgery with general anesthesia for greater than 30 minutes
  • Confinement to bed in hospital (only bathroom privileges) for at least 3 days with an acute illness
  • Cesarean section
DVT provoked by a minor transient risk factor
  • Surgery with general anesthesia for less than 30 minutes
  • Admission to hospital for less than 3 days with an acute illness
  • Confinement to bed out of hospital for at least 3 days with an acute illness
  • Leg injury associated with reduced mobility for at least 3 days
  • Estrogen therapy (OCPs or HRT)
  • Pregnancy and the six weeks after delivery
Major risk factors in the Wells score
  • Active cancer
  • Paralysis or recent immobilization of the lower extremity (this could include prolonged travel)
  • Recently bedridden for ≥ 3 days, or major surgery within previous 12 weeks









  • If both legs are symptomatic, use more symptomatic leg
  • Reference [4]
Wells score
Finding / History Points
Active cancer (treatment ongoing, administered within previous 6 months or palliative) +1
Paralysis or recent immobilization of the lower extremity +1
Recently bedridden for ≥ 3 days, or major surgery within previous 12 weeks +1
Localized tenderness along distribution of deep vein system +1
Swelling of entire leg +1
Calf swelling ≥ 3 cm larger than that of the unaffected leg (measured 10 cm below the tibial tuberosity) +1
Pitting edema confined to affected leg +1
Dilated superficial veins on affected leg (nonvaricose) +1
Previously documented DVT +1
Alternative diagnosis at least as probable as DVT -2


  • Reference [4]
Wells Score DVT probability
≤ 0 Low probability
1 - 2 Intermediate probability
≥ 3 High probability


  • Reference [3,4]
Probability Testing
High probability
  • Perform ultrasound
Intermediate or low probability
  • Order D-dimer
  • If D-dimer is elevated, order ultrasound
  • If D-dimer is normal, DVT unlikely [3,4]






































  • Reference [11]
Recurrence rate in first year after treatment of initial VTE with no extended anticoagulation
Type of VTE Recurrence
Provoked by surgery 1.0%
Provoked by nonsurgical risk factor 5.8%
Unprovoked VTE 7.9%

  • Reference [25]
Cumulative recurrent VTE risk for patients who discontinued anticoagulation after a first unprovoked VTE
Time VTE (Men) VTE (Women)
2 years 18.3% 13.6%
5 years 28.6% 21.2%
10 years 41.2% 28.8%



  • Reference [27]
Cumulative recurrent VTE risk by initial VTE site for patients with first unprovoked VTE who were not anticoagulated
Time Distal DVT Proximal DVT PE
10 years 17% 37% 34%
20 years 30% 47% 44%



  • Estrogen women were taking estrogen-containing OCPs or hormone replacement therapy when their first DVT occurred
  • Five-year results were reported in a separate study [PMID 31033194]
  • References [26,28]
Risk of recurrent VTE after negative D-dimer testing
Follow-up Men Non-estrogen Women Estrogen Women
Average of 2.2 years 18.3% 11% 0%
Median of 5 years 29.7% 17% 2.3%






  • Percent differences are expressed as absolute (not relative)
  • *See bleeding risk category above to determine risk
  • Reference [10]
Estimated effect over 5 years of Extended anticoagulation vs No extended anticoagulation (% differences are absolute)
Low bleeding risk* Intermediate bleeding risk* High bleeding risk*
First VTE provoked by surgery Recurrent VTE reduction ↓ 2.6% ↓ 2.6% ↓ 2.6%
Major bleeding increase ↑ 2.4% ↑ 4.9% ↑ 19.6%
First VTE provoked by a nonsurgical factor / first unprovoked distal DVT Recurrent VTE reduction ↓ 13.2% ↓ 13.2% ↓ 13.2%
Major bleeding increase ↑ 2.4% ↑ 4.9% ↑ 19.6%
First unprovoked proximal DVT or PE Recurrent VTE reduction ↓ 26.4% ↓ 26.4% ↓ 26.4%
Major bleeding increase ↑ 2.4% ↑ 4.9% ↑ 19.6%
Second unprovoked VTE Recurrent VTE reduction ↓ 39.6% ↓ 39.6% ↓ 39.6%
Major bleeding increase ↑ 2.4% ↑ 4.9% ↑ 19.6%







SOME study - Screening for Occult Cancer in Unprovoked VTE, NEJM (2015) [PubMed abstract]
  • The SOME study enrolled 862 patients with a new diagnosis of first unprovoked symptomatic VTE
Main inclusion criteria
  • First unprovoked VTE (proximal DVT, PE, or both)
  • Unprovoked VTE defined as VTE occurring in the absence of known cancer, current pregnancy, thrombophilia, previous VTE, and recent immobilization
Main exclusion criteria
  • Age < 18 years
  • Weight ≥ 130 kg
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Glaucoma
Baseline characteristics
  • Average age 53 years
  • Average weight 90 kg
  • Current or past smoker - 48%
  • Index event: DVT - 67% | PE 32% | Both - 12%
Randomized treatment groups
  • Group 1 (431 patients) - CBC; CMP; Chest X-ray; Mammography in women > 50 years; PAP in women 18 - 70 years; PSA testing in men > 40 years
  • Group 2 (423 patients) - Same testing as Group 1 + CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
  • CT scan included a virtual colonoscopy and gastroscopy, biphasic enhanced CT of the liver, parenchymal pancreatography, and uniphasic enhanced CT of the distended bladder
Primary outcome: Confirmed cancer that was missed by the screening strategy and detected by the end of the 1-year follow-up period.
Results

Duration: 1 year
Outcome Standard Standard + CT Comparisons
New cancer diagnosis 3.2% 4.5% p=0.28
Primary outcome 4 occult cancers were missed 5 occult cancers were missed p=1.0
Mean time to cancer diagnosis 4.2 months 4 months p=0.88
Cancer-related mortality 1.4% 0.9% p=0.75

Findings: The prevalence of occult cancer was low among patients with a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism. Routine screening with CT of the abdomen and pelvis did not provide a clinically significant benefit.





Compression Stockings vs Placebo Stockings to Prevent Post-thrombotic Syndrome, Lancet (2014) [PubMed abstract]
  • The SOX trial enrolled 410 patients with first-diagnosed proximal DVT
Main inclusion criteria
  • First symptomatic, proximal DVT (with or without distal DVT or pulmonary embolism) confirmed by ultrasound within the previous 14 days
Main exclusion criteria
  • Received thrombolytic therapy for the DVT
Baseline characteristics
  • Average age 55 years
  • Average BMI 29
  • Male sex - 60%
Randomized treatment groups
  • Group 1 (410 patients): 30 - 40 mmHg graduated elastic compression stockings (ECS) started within 2 weeks of DVT diagnosis
  • Group 2 (396 patients): Placebo stockings with 5 mmHg of pressure started within 2 weeks of DVT diagnosis
  • Stockings were replaced every six months or sooner if torn or leg size changed
Primary outcome: The primary outcome was diagnosis of post-thrombotic syndrome (at least 6 months after DVT diagnosis) using Ginsberg’s criteria (leg pain and swelling of ≥1 month duration)
Results

Duration: 2 years
Outcome Stockings Placebo Comparisons
Primary outcome 14.2% 12.7% HR 1.13, CI 0.73 - 1.76
  • In a per-protocol analysis that included patients who reported frequent use of their stockings, there was no significant difference between the two groups for the primary outcome
  • There was no significant difference between the groups for occurrence of leg venous ulcers, recurrent venous thromboembolism, or quality of life
  • Compliance with stocking use was about 56% at 2 years

Findings: From 2004 to 2010, 410 patients were randomly assigned to receive active ECS and 396 placebo ECS. The cumulative incidence of PTS was 14·2% in active ECS versus 12·7% in placebo ECS (hazard ratio adjusted for centre 1·13, 95% CI 0·73-1·76; p=0·58). Results were similar in a prespecified per-protocol analysis of patients who reported frequent use of stockings.









WARFASA Study - Aspirin vs Placebo for the Secondary Prevention of VTE, NEJM (2012) [PubMed abstract]
  • The WARFASA study enrolled 402 patients with first episode of unprovoked DVT or PE
Main inclusion criteria
  • First episode of symptomatic, unprovoked proximal DVT, pulmonary embolism, or both
  • Completed anticoagulation therapy lasting 6 - 18 months
Main exclusion criteria
  • Cancer
  • Thrombophilia
  • History of cardiovascular disease requiring aspirin
  • High risk for bleeding or bleeding during anticoagulation
  • Women with VTE associated with the use of estrogen/progestin therapy
Baseline characteristics
  • Average age 62 years
  • Average BMI - 27
  • Index event: DVT ∼ 63% | PE ∼ 37%
  • Duration of anticoagulation: 6 months ∼ 34% | 12 months ∼ 55% | 18 months ∼ 10%
Randomized treatment groups
  • Group 1 (205 patients) - Aspirin 100 mg daily
  • Group 2 (197 patients) - Placebo
Primary outcome: recurrence of thromboembolism (defined as symptomatic, objectively confirmed DVT, PE, or fatal PE) over 2 years
Results

Duration: 2 years
Outcome Aspirin Placebo Comparisons
Primary outcome (% of patients/year) 6.6% 11.2% HR 0.58, 95%CI [0.36 - 0.93], p=0.02
Major bleeding or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding 4 events 4 events HR 0.98, 95%CI [0.24 - 3.96], p=0.97
Overall mortality 6 events 5 events HR 1.04, 95%CI [0.32 - 3.42], p=0.95

Findings: Aspirin reduced the risk of recurrence when given to patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism who had discontinued anticoagulant treatment, with no apparent increase in the risk of major bleeding.
ASPIRE Study - Aspirin vs Placebo for the Secondary Prevention of VTE, NEJM (2012) [PubMed abstract]
  • The ASPIRE study enrolled 822 patients with first episode of unprovoked DVT or PE
Main inclusion criteria
  • First episode of unprovoked DVT involving the popliteal or more proximal veins or an acute pulmonary embolism
  • Completed anticoagulation therapy lasting 6 weeks to 24 months
Main exclusion criteria
  • Index VTE that occurred ≥ 2 years before enrollment
  • VTE occurred in the setting of estrogen/progestin therapy
Baseline characteristics
  • Average age 55 years
  • Index event: DVT - 57% | PE - 28% | Both - 14%
  • Duration of anticoagulation ≥ 3 months - 99% of patients
Randomized treatment groups
  • Group 1 (411 patients) - Enteric-coated aspirin 100 mg daily
  • Group 2 (411 patients) - Placebo
  • The study was originally designed to enroll 3000 patients, but was unable to achieve that number due to poor recruitment
Primary outcome: recurrence of thromboembolism (defined as symptomatic, objectively confirmed DVT, PE, or fatal PE)
Results

Duration: Median of 37.2 months
Outcome Aspirin Placebo Comparisons
Primary outcome (% of patients/year) 4.8% 6.5% HR 0.74, 95%CI [0.52 - 1.05], p=0.09
Major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (% of patients/year) 1.1% 0.6% HR 1.73, 95%CI [0.72 - 4.11], p=0.22
Composite of recurrent VTE, MI, stroke, or cardiovascular death (% of patients/year) 5.2% 8.0% HR 0.66, 95%CI [0.48 - 0.92], p=0.01
  • In the aspirin group, 15% of patients discontinued aspirin. In the placebo group, 7% of patients initiated antiplatelet or anticoagulation treatment.
  • The poor enrollment of the study left it underpowered to assess the primary outcome

Findings: In this study, aspirin, as compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce the rate of recurrence of venous thromboembolism but resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of major vascular events, with improved net clinical benefit. These results substantiate earlier evidence of a therapeutic benefit of aspirin when it is given to patients after initial anticoagulant therapy for a first episode of unprovoked venous thromboembolism.


EINSTEIN CHOICE trial - Rivaroxaban vs Aspirin for Secondary Prevention of VTE, NEJM (2017) [PubMed abstract]
  • The EINSTEIN CHOICE trial enrolled 3396 patients with VTE who had completed 6 - 12 months of treatment with anticoagulation
Main inclusion criteria
  • Confirmed symptomatic PE and/or DVT treated for 6 to 12 months with anticoagulation without interruption for > 1 week
Main exclusion criteria
  • Liver disease with coagulopathy
  • CrCl < 30 ml/min
  • Indication for anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
  • High risk of bleeding
Baseline characteristics
  • Average age 58 years
  • Index event: DVT - 51% | PE - 33% | Both - 15%
  • Provoked VTE - 58% | Unprovoked VTE - 42%
  • Known thrombophilia - 7%
  • Previous VTE - 18%
Randomized treatment groups
  • Group 1 (1107 patients) - Rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily
  • Group 2 (1127 patients) - Rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily
  • Group 3 (1131 patients) - Aspirin 100 mg once daily
  • Study drugs were administered for up to 12 months
Primary outcome: Composite of symptomatic, recurrent fatal or nonfatal venous thromboembolism and unexplained death for which pulmonary embolism could not be ruled out
Results

Duration: Median of 351 days
Outcome Riv 20 mg Riv 10 mg Aspirin Comparisons
Primary outcome 1.5% 1.2% 4.4% 1 or 2 vs 3 p<0.001
Major bleeding 0.5% 0.4% 0.3% p>0.05 for all comparisons
Overall mortality 0.7% 0.2% 0.6% N/A
DVT 0.8% 0.6% 2.6% N/A
PE 0.5% 0.4% 1.7% N/A
Provoked index event (primary outcome) 1.4% 0.9% 3.6% N/A
Unprovoked index event (primary outcome) 1.8% 1.5% 5.6% N/A

Findings: Among patients with venous thromboembolism in equipoise for continued anticoagulation, the risk of a recurrent event was significantly lower with rivaroxaban at either a treatment dose (20 mg) or a prophylactic dose (10 mg) than with aspirin, without a significant increase in bleeding rates.





Aspirin vs Rivaroxaban for VTE Prophylaxis After Hip or Knee Replacement, NEJM (2018) [PubMed abstract]
  • The trial enrolled 3424 patients who were undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty
Main inclusion criteria
  • Undergoing elective unilateral primary or revision hip or knee arthroplasty
Main exclusion criteria
  • Hip or lower limb fracture in previous 3 months
  • Metastatic cancer
Baseline characteristics
  • Average age - 63 years
  • History of VTE - 2.3%
  • Hip arthroplasty - 1804
  • Knee arthroplasty - 1620
  • Long-term aspirin - 25%
Randomized treatment groups
  • Group 1 (1717 patients): Rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily for 14 days following knee replacement or 35 days following hip replacement
  • Group 2 (1707 patients): Rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily for 5 days followed by aspirin 81 mg once daily for 9 days following knee replacement or 30 days following hip replacement
  • Patients who had been taking daily low-dose aspirin before randomization (long-term aspirin subgroup) took open-label aspirin at a dose of less than 100 mg per day, as prescribed by their physician, in addition to the assigned trial regimen.
Primary outcome:
  • Effectiveness - symptomatic VTE confirmed by objective testing within 90 days of randomization
  • Safety - bleeding, including major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding
Results

Duration: 90 days
Outcome Rivaroxaban Rivaroxaban/ASA Comparisons
Symptomatic VTE 0.70% 0.64% p<0.001 for noninferiority and p=0.84 for superiority
Major bleeding 0.29% 0.47% diff 0.18%, 95%CI [−0.65 to 0.29], p=0.42
  • There were no significant between-group differences in rates of thromboembolic events or major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding complications in the total hip or total knee arthroplasty subgroups
  • Similar rates of thromboembolism, major bleeding, and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding occurred among the 855 patients who were receiving long-term aspirin therapy and in the 2569 patients who were not receiving such therapy

Findings: Among patients who received 5 days of rivaroxaban prophylaxis after total hip or total knee arthroplasty, extended prophylaxis with aspirin was not significantly different from rivaroxaban in the prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolism





METRC Study - Aspirin vs Enoxaparin for VTE Prevention After Fracture, NEJM (2023) [PubMed abstract]
  • The METRC study enrolled 12,211 patients with an extremity fracture that was treated operatively or a fracture of the pelvis or acetabulum treated operatively or nonoperatively
Main inclusion criteria
  • 18 years and older with one or more of the following:
    • Extremity fracture (shoulder to wrist or hip to midfoot) treated operatively
    • Fracture of the pelvis or acetabulum treated operatively or nonoperatively
Main exclusion criteria
  • Presentation to hospital > 48 hours after fracture
  • History of VTE within 6 months
  • Receiving anticoagulation
  • History of thrombophilia
Baseline characteristics
  • Average age 45 years
  • Previous VTE - 0.7%
  • Cancer - 2.5%
  • Current smoker - 34.7%
  • Fracture type: LE only - 67% | UE only - 12% | Both - 21%
Randomized treatment groups
  • Group 1 (6101 patients): Aspirin 81 mg twice daily
  • Group 2 (6110 patients): Enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily
  • Treatment was started in the hospital and continued after discharge. Therapy duration was according to the clinical protocols of each hospital.
Primary outcome: Death from any cause at 90 days
Results

Duration: 90 days
Outcome Aspirin Enoxaparin Comparisons
Primary outcome (overall mortality) 0.78% 0.73% Diff 0.05, 95%CI [-0.27 to 0.38]
Any PE 1.49% 1.49% Diff 0, 95%CI [-0.43 to 0.43]
Any DVT 2.51% 1.71% Diff 0.80, 95%CI [0.28 to 1.31]
Bleeding complication 13.72% 14.27% Diff -0.54, 95%CI [-1.78 to 0.69]
  • Patients received an average of 8.8 in-hospital thromboprophylaxis doses and were prescribed a median 21-day supply of thromboprophylaxis at discharge
  • The average length of hospitalization was 5.3 days

Findings: In patients with extremity fractures that had been treated operatively or with any pelvic or acetabular fracture, thromboprophylaxis with aspirin was noninferior to low-molecular-weight heparin in preventing death and was associated with low incidences of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and low 90-day mortality.