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Published on: June 2, 2015
Aspirin and recurrent venous thromboembolism
P Prandoni1, F Noventa, M Milan
1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences, Clinica Medica 2, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy. paoloprandoni@tin.it
Phlebology
|March 14, 2013
Summary
Low-dose aspirin significantly reduces recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and major vascular events in patients with unprovoked VTE. However, aspirin does not appear beneficial for preventing recurrent VTE in patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aspirin is known to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in various situations.
- The efficacy of aspirin for the long-term prevention of recurrent VTE is less understood.
- Vitamin K antagonists are used for initial VTE treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin for long-term prevention of recurrent VTE.
- To evaluate aspirin's effectiveness in patients with unprovoked VTE after conventional treatment.
- To determine if aspirin benefits patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis regarding recurrent VTE.
Main Methods:
- Pooled data from two multicenter, double-blind studies (WARFASA and ASPIRE) involving patients with unprovoked VTE.
- Assessed low-dose aspirin (100 mg/day) efficacy and safety compared to placebo.
- Reviewed clinical charts of 1919 VTE patients, including those with and without symptomatic atherosclerosis, followed for four years.
Main Results:
- Pooled data showed a 32% reduction in VTE recurrence and a 34% reduction in major vascular events with aspirin.
- These benefits were achieved with a low risk of bleeding.
- In patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis, aspirin (80-160 mg/day) did not reduce recurrent VTE rates compared to no antithrombotic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose aspirin is effective and safe for long-term prevention of recurrent VTE in patients with unprovoked VTE and no symptomatic atherosclerosis.
- Aspirin is unlikely to benefit patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis who require long-term protection against recurrent VTE.
- Low-dose aspirin presents a cost-effective option for preventing recurrent VTE in select patient populations.
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