Update in the treatment of venous thromboembolism

This review describes recent evidence relevant to the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Because venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a spectrum of disease that includes both of these disorders, many of the therapeutic options are common to both. At the time of diagnosis, effective treatment options for patients with VTE include unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin), and pentasaccharides (e.g., fondaparinux). Many patients with VTE, especially DVT, can receive most or all of their initial treatment as outpatients. Other treatment strategies such as vena caval filter placement and mechanical (or chemical) clot dissolution are discussed briefly. Anticoagulation with warfarin (or other oral vitamin K antagonists) is a highly effective strategy for the long-term prevention of VTE recurrence in most patients. In addition to presenting evidence relevant to the optimal duration of warfarin therapy, we highlight circumstances under which extended therapy with a parenteral agent such as a low molecular weight heparin might be preferable.