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Semin Thromb Hemost 2017; 43(08): 836-848
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1604085
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing Anticoagulation versus No Anticoagulation and Shorter versus Longer duration of Anticoagulation for Treatment of Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis

Ming Sheng Lim
1   Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
,
Anita Ariyarajah
2   Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, Newcastle, Australia
,
Christopher Oldmeadow
2   Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, Newcastle, Australia
3   Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
4   University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
,
Alix Hall
2   Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, Newcastle, Australia
3   Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
4   University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
,
Anoop K. Enjeti
1   Department of Haematology, Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
2   Hunter Cancer Research Alliance, Newcastle, Australia
3   Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
4   University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
5   Pathology North Hunter, NSW Health Pathology, Newcastle New South Wales, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 September 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) represents an important clinical problem but there is no consensus regarding its management. The aim of this review was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and shorter versus longer duration of anticoagulation in patients with isolated distal DVT. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. Studies reporting rates of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), recurrent DVT, proximal extension, and/or major bleeding were included. Fourteen studies (six randomized controlled trials, eight cohorts) involving 2,918 patients met the eligibility criteria (with a total of 13 meeting criteria for the meta-analysis). Compared with no anticoagulation, anticoagulation was associated with a significant reduction in proximal extension (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.67; p < 0.004), recurrent DVT (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04–0.65; p = 0.01), and the composite end-point of proximal extension/PE (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16–0.72; p = 0.005); however, no significant differences in PE (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.17–1.34; p = 0.16) or major bleeding (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.33–6.86; p = 0.60) were observed. Anticoagulation for a longer duration (≥8 vs. ≤6 weeks) was associated with a significant reduction in proximal extension (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.11–0.48; p < 0.001) but not for other outcomes.

Keywords

isolated - distal - calf - deep vein thrombosis - anticoagulation

Funding

We acknowledge the assistance of Pathology North PPTF funds toward costs of the systematic analysis.


Supplementary Material

 

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