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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous thromboembolism: a clinical review
Olusegun Osinbowale1, Lobna Ali, Yung-Wei Chi
1Department of Cardiology Division of Vascular Medicine, Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA. oosinbowale@ochsner.org
Postgraduate Medicine
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a serious condition, is diagnosed using noninvasive methods. Research is exploring new oral anticoagulants to improve long-term treatment safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, is a major cause of illness and death.
- While often linked to identifiable risk factors, some VTE cases are idiopathic.
- Current management relies on therapeutic anticoagulation, with adjunctive therapies for specific situations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of VTE.
- To discuss the limitations of warfarin as a long-term oral anticoagulant.
- To highlight the ongoing research and recent approvals of alternative oral anticoagulants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of VTE diagnosis, risk factors, and management.
- Analysis of current anticoagulation therapies, including warfarin.
- Examination of emerging oral anticoagulants, such as direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors.
Main Results:
- VTE is diagnosed noninvasively when clinically suspected.
- Warfarin, the sole FDA-approved oral anticoagulant, presents risks including bleeding and drug interactions.
- Newer oral anticoagulants show promise and have received approval in Europe and Canada.
Conclusions:
- Effective diagnosis and management of VTE are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality.
- The limitations of warfarin necessitate the development and evaluation of alternative oral anticoagulants.
- Emerging anticoagulants offer potential improvements in long-term VTE management and patient safety.
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