The requirement for a safe diagnostic strategy of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) should be based on an overall objective post incidence of venous thromboembolism(VTE) of less than 1% during 3 mo fol low-up. Compression ult...The requirement for a safe diagnostic strategy of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) should be based on an overall objective post incidence of venous thromboembolism(VTE) of less than 1% during 3 mo fol low-up. Compression ultrasonography(CUS) of the leg veins has a negative predictive value(NPV) of 97%-98% indicating the need of repeated CUS testing within one week. A negative ELISA VIDAS safely excludes DVT and VTE with a NPV between 99% and 100% at a low clinical score of zero. The combination of low clinical score and a less sensitive D-dimer test(Simplify) is not sensitive enough to exclude DVT and VTE in routine daily practice. From prospective clinical research studies it may be concluded that complete recanalization within 3-6 mo and no reflux is associated with a low or no risk of PTS obviating the need of MECS 6 mo after DVT. Partial and complete recanalization after 6 to more than 12 mo is usually complicated by reflux due to valve destruction and symptomatic PTS. Reflux seems to be a main determinant for PTS and DVT recurrence, the latter as a main contributing factor in worsening PTS. This hypothesis is supported by the relation between the persistent residual vein thrombosis(RVT = partial recanalization) and the risk of VTE recurrence in prospective studies. Absence of RVT at 3 mo postDVT and no reflux is predicted to be associated with no recurrence of DVT(1.2%) during follow-up obviating the need of wearing medical elastic stockings and anticoagulation at 6 mo post-DVT. The presence or absence of RVT but with reflux at or after 6 mo postDVT is associated with both symptomatic PTS and an increased risk of VTE recurrence in about one third in the post-DVT period after regular discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment. To test this hypothesis we designed a prospective DVT and postthrombotic syndrome(PTS) Bridging the Gap Study by addressing at least four unanswered questions in the treatment ofDVT and PTS.Which DVT patient has a clear indication for long-term compression stocking therapy to prevent PTS after the initial anticoagulant treatment in the acute phase of DVT?Is 6 mo the appropriate point in time to determine candidates at risk to develop DVT recurrence and PTS?Which high risk symptomatic PTS patients need extended anticoagulant treatment?展开更多
文摘The requirement for a safe diagnostic strategy of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) should be based on an overall objective post incidence of venous thromboembolism(VTE) of less than 1% during 3 mo fol low-up. Compression ultrasonography(CUS) of the leg veins has a negative predictive value(NPV) of 97%-98% indicating the need of repeated CUS testing within one week. A negative ELISA VIDAS safely excludes DVT and VTE with a NPV between 99% and 100% at a low clinical score of zero. The combination of low clinical score and a less sensitive D-dimer test(Simplify) is not sensitive enough to exclude DVT and VTE in routine daily practice. From prospective clinical research studies it may be concluded that complete recanalization within 3-6 mo and no reflux is associated with a low or no risk of PTS obviating the need of MECS 6 mo after DVT. Partial and complete recanalization after 6 to more than 12 mo is usually complicated by reflux due to valve destruction and symptomatic PTS. Reflux seems to be a main determinant for PTS and DVT recurrence, the latter as a main contributing factor in worsening PTS. This hypothesis is supported by the relation between the persistent residual vein thrombosis(RVT = partial recanalization) and the risk of VTE recurrence in prospective studies. Absence of RVT at 3 mo postDVT and no reflux is predicted to be associated with no recurrence of DVT(1.2%) during follow-up obviating the need of wearing medical elastic stockings and anticoagulation at 6 mo post-DVT. The presence or absence of RVT but with reflux at or after 6 mo postDVT is associated with both symptomatic PTS and an increased risk of VTE recurrence in about one third in the post-DVT period after regular discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment. To test this hypothesis we designed a prospective DVT and postthrombotic syndrome(PTS) Bridging the Gap Study by addressing at least four unanswered questions in the treatment ofDVT and PTS.Which DVT patient has a clear indication for long-term compression stocking therapy to prevent PTS after the initial anticoagulant treatment in the acute phase of DVT?Is 6 mo the appropriate point in time to determine candidates at risk to develop DVT recurrence and PTS?Which high risk symptomatic PTS patients need extended anticoagulant treatment?