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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Α 6-month, multicenter, observational study investigating the treatment of venous thromboembolism in Greece (VICTORIA
Paraskevi Savvari1, Ioannis Skiadas1, Evgenia Mavrokefalou2
1Medical Affairs, Pfizer Hellas S.A, 243 Messoghion Ave, Athens, N. Psychiko, 154 51, Greece.
Insights
Real-world data show that venous thromboembolism (VTE) is often treated with combined oral and parenteral anticoagulants, with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban being most common. Extended anticoagulation was frequent and adherence rates were high.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Real-world data are crucial for guiding clinical practice in venous thromboembolism (VTE) management.
- Understanding current anticoagulation strategies for VTE is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the types and duration of antithrombotic treatments used in patients with VTE.
- To investigate anticoagulation dosage, persistence, and adherence in VTE patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicenter observational study involving 600 Greek adults with VTE.
- Data collection included baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up assessments.
- Analysis focused on treatment patterns, risk factors, and adherence.
Main Results:
- The most common VTE presentations were pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), particularly apixaban, were the predominant oral anticoagulants used, often in combination with parenteral agents.
- Forty-one percent of patients received extended anticoagulation (>6 months), primarily at standard doses, with high adherence and persistence rates observed.
Conclusions:
- Current VTE treatment frequently involves a combination of oral and parenteral anticoagulants, with DOACs like apixaban being a leading choice.
- Extended anticoagulation is common in VTE management, with persistent risk factors influencing its use.
- High rates of adherence and persistence were noted for both DOAC and non-DOAC anticoagulant therapies.
Background:
Real-world data are needed to inform clinical practice with regards to anticoagulation treatment for persons with venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Objectives:
To identify the type and duration of antithrombotic treatment in persons with VTE. Anticoagulation dosage and persistence/adherence were among the secondary objectives.
Methods:
A multicenter, observational, prospective study conducted in Greek adults with VTE with two on-site visits -baseline and at three months- and a telephone follow-up at 6 months.
Results:
A total of 600 eligible persons were enrolled. The index event was 'PE only' in 50%, 'DVT only' in 40%, and 'DVT+PE' in 10%. Risk factors were categorized as temporary major (21%), temporary minor (37%), and persistent (43%), with active cancer present in 18% of patients. All VTE patients received anticoagulants: 73% received oral anticoagulants (72% DOACs, 1% VKAs) and 70% received parenteral anticoagulants. Treatment was oral only in 30%, parenteral only in 27%, and both in 43%. The most common DOAC was apixaban (47%). Extended anticoagulation (>6 months) was administered to 41% with only 9% (18/198) of those on DOACs receiving a reduced dose. Persistent risk factors predicted extended anticoagulation, while diabetes, COVID-19, and temporary minor risk factors did not. Adherence/persistence rates were similar between DOAC and non-DOAC-treated patients.
Conclusion:
VTE was mainly treated with a combination of parenteral and oral anticoagulants. DOACs, primarily apixaban, were the most common oral treatments. Forty percent of patients received extended anticoagulation, mostly at standard dosages. Adherence and persistence rates were high for both DOAC and non-DOAC treatments.
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