Comparison of the recanalization rate and postthrombotic syndrome in patients with deep venous thrombosis treated with rivaroxaban or warfarin

The Effectiveness and Safety of Rivaroxaban and Edoxaban in the Treatment of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis

INTRODUCTION

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition characterized by forming a blood clot, or thrombus, in one of the deep veins, typically in the legs. It is a type of venous thromboembolism, which refers to the formation of blood clots in the veins. It is caused by Virchow's triad (stasis, hypercoagulation, and endothelial injury).

OBJECTIVE

Our main objective is to explore the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban and edoxaban in treating lower extremity DVT.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study involving 406 patients subjected to DVT treatment using direct oral anticoagulants (edoxaban and rivaroxaban) at our hospital. We recruited adult patients (aged 18 years and more) diagnosed with lower extremity DVT and received treatment with either rivaroxaban or edoxaban as the primary anticoagulant therapy for DVT. We excluded patients who received treatment with other anticoagulant medications (warfarin and heparin) as the primary therapy for DVT.

RESULTS

The groups showed statistically significant differences in red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, with the edoxaban group having high values. However, the 2 groups observed no statistically significant differences in creatinine clearance, white blood cell count, platelet count, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer levels. The difference in the incidence of pulmonary embolism between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P value < 0.001). The edoxaban group had fewer pulmonary embolism patients than the rivaroxaban group. The reduction in recurrent thrombosis was significantly higher in the rivaroxaban group compared to the edoxaban group. There were no significant differences in the major bleeding at various sites across the 2 treatment groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Rivaroxaban's pharmacokinetic profile includes rapid absorption and a relatively short half-life. It means that once administered, rivaroxaban quickly reaches its peak concentration in the blood and is subsequently eliminated from the body within a relatively short period. Edoxaban's pharmacokinetic profile may include slower absorption and a longer half-life than rivaroxaban. It can result in a slower rate of achieving peak concentration and a more prolonged presence in the bloodstream. These results emphasize the need for careful consideration of anticoagulant therapy in patients with underlying cancer and underscore the importance of managing risks while providing adequate anticoagulation to prevent thrombotic events.

Exploration on the effect of anserine on the alleviation of DVT and its molecular mechanism

Background

This study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of anserine on HUVEC cell injury and thrombosis in deep venous thrombosis (DVT) rats, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Non-targeted metabolomics data analyses were conducted using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography system Vanquish UHPLC and mass spectrometer to detect plasma metabolism profiles. The transcriptome sequencing and gene intervention experiments were performed to verify the regulatory effect. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of P-selectin, E-selectin, and vWF, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe thrombotic and inflammatory cell infiltration, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were performed to detect apoptosis, and qPCR and WB assays were conducted to determine the gene and protein expression.

Results

Anserine alleviated HUVECs injury, reduced adhesion molecule expression, and inflammation. It decreased P-selectin, E-selectin, vWF, THBD, TFPI levels, and apoptosis while promoting NOS3, ET-1, and NO release in HUVECs. In DVT rats, anserine reduced P-selectin, E-selectin, vWF, thrombosis, cell infiltration, apoptosis, and promoted NO release. Transcriptome sequencing and gene intervention confirmed anserine's regulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway and coagulation via MYB. CARNMT1, a regulatory enzyme for anserine metabolism, increased anserine content, inhibiting coagulation, thrombosis, cell infiltration, and promoting NO release in rats.

Conclusion

This study confirmed anserine could alleviate DVT by improving the inflammatory response, inhibiting blood agglutination, and promoting vasodilation, providing new potential therapeutic targets, important scientific evidence for the development of DVT management, and new clues for an in-depth understanding of its molecular mechanisms.

An Evaluation of the Duration of Oral Anticoagulant Use Among Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment of Nonthrombotic Iliac Vein Lesions

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes associated with the duration of postoperative direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) therapy in patients with nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 176 consecutive patients who underwent stenting for nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions between March 2018 and December 2021. In total, 99 and 77 patients were discharged on a 3-month and >3-month regimen of DOAC therapy, respectively. The primary cumulative endpoint was a composite of thrombotic complications, bleeding complications, primary patency, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency within 1 year.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing 3-month and >3-month DOAC therapy were similar in age, sex, lesion site, symptoms, and average stent diameter and length. Upon multivariate analysis, the primary cumulative endpoint did not differ between the 2 groups (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-3.30; P = 0.76). Moreover, the primary patency at 1 year did not differ between the groups (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 0.14-16.54; P = 0.74). Furthermore, there were no discernible differences in the secondary endpoints of bleeding complications (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.22-1.96; P = 0.45) or thrombotic complications (HR: 1.79; 95% CI: 0.55-5.80; P = 0.34) between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-month regimen of DOAC therapy showed a similar risk of postoperative thrombosis and bleeding when compared to longer DOAC therapy durations over the course of 1 year following endovascular intervention. This could be a preferred option for patients with a higher estimated bleeding risk after venous stenting.

A retrospective assessment of venous recanalization outcomes for oral anticoagulant treatment in deep vein thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide effective treatment by comparing the venous recanalization responses of oral anticoagulants in deep vein thrombosis therapy.

METHODS

From January 2013 to March 2019, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 109 patients who had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and received treatment with apixaban, rivaroxaban, or warfarin within 1 week of symptom onset. Demographic, clinical data, and venous recanalization responses on Doppler ultrasonography of the patients that were followed-up 1 year from the date of diagnosis were evaluated.

RESULTS

At the end of the 1-year follow-up, 21 (19.3%) patients had delayed recanalization, 39 (35.8%) patients had partial recanalization, and 49 (44.9%) patients had complete recanalization. The mean time to complete recanalization was 9.178 months for apixaban, 8.986 months for rivaroxaban, and 10.641 months for warfarin. Rivaroxaban was found to result in earlier completion of recanalization compared to warfarin (p = .012).

CONCLUSION

Direct oral anticoagulants might be more effective than vitamin K antagonists in achieving complete recanalization in patients that have deep vein thrombosis. Improving outcomes can be achieved by evaluating current treatment options.

Safflower yellow for injection enhances anti-coagulation of warfarin in rats: implications in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

This study investigated whether Safflower Yellow for injection (SYI) would affect the anticoagulation of warfarin in rats.Wistar male rats were divided into six groups randomly and administered with SYI (9 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) in single-dose and steady-dose warfarin (0.2 mg/kg, oral gavage), respectively. The pharmacodynamic parameters of PT and APTT were measured by a coagulation analyser. R/S-warfarin concentration was measured by UHPLC-MS/MS, and pharmacokinetic parameters calculated using DAS 2.0 software.The single-dose study demonstrated that SYI, alone or co-administered with warfarin, could significantly increase PT, INR, and APTT values (p < 0.01). R-warfarin Cmax, AUC, and t1/2 values increased by 9.25% (p > 0.05), 25.96% (p < 0.01), and 26.17% (p < 0.01), respectively, whereas the CL/F value reduced by 22.22% (p < 0.01) in the presence of SYI. Meanwhile, S-warfarin Cmax, AUC, and t1/2 values increased by 37.41%, 32.11%, and 31.73% (all p < 0.01), respectively, whereas the CL/F value reduced by 33.33% (p < 0.01). The steady-dose study showed that PT, INR, APTT, and the concentrations of R/S-warfarin increased significantly when SYI was co-administered with warfarin (p < 0.01).SYI can enhance warfarin's anticoagulation intensity and decelerate its metabolism in rats.

Current challenges in the prevention and management of post-thrombotic syndrome-towards improved prevention

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common and potentially debilitating complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), affecting up to 50% of DVT patients. The consequence of this chronic condition includes reduced quality of life, increased use of the healthcare system and decreased productivity. The societal impact of this condition is projected to increase, given our ageing population and increased burden of thrombotic diseases. Despite significant recent advances in our understanding of PTS, many unanswered questions remain. Currently, there are few effective and proven options for established PTS; hence, the emphasis should be on instituting effective prevention to reduce the progression to PTS. Effective anticoagulation lowers the risk of PTS, with direct oral anticoagulants appearing to outperform vitamin-K antagonists. However, the evidence for elastic compression stockings and endovascular thrombolysis or thrombectomy techniques remains unclear. Accurate identification of individuals at high risk of developing PTS may also improve the targeting of preventative interventions. This review will examine the current body of evidence regarding PTS, with a focus on preventative strategies as well as novel biomarkers.

TILE pilot trial study protocol: Tinzaparin Lead-in to Prevent the Post-Thrombotic syndrome study protocol

INTRODUCTION

The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a form of chronic venous insufficiency due to a prior ipsilateral deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This is a frequent complication that develops in 20%-50% of patients after a proximal DVT and is associated with significant healthcare, economic and societal consequences. In the absence of effective and well-tolerated treatment options for established PTS, effective preventative measures are needed. Anticoagulation itself reduces the risk of PTS, and low-molecular-weight heparin may reduce this further through anti-inflammatory properties targeting the initial acute inflammatory phase of DVT.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Tinzaparin Lead-In to Prevent the Post-Thrombotic syndrome pilot trial is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, open-label assessor-blinded trial that will randomise patients with first acute symptomatic common femoral or iliac DVT to receive either a 3-week lead-in course of tinzaparin, followed by rivaroxaban (experimental arm) or rivaroxaban alone (control arm). Its primary objectives are to assess: (1) proportion of PTS at 6 months using the Villalta scale and (2) study feasibility, which consists of (a) the proportion of screened patients eligible for the study, (2) the proportion of eligible patients recruited and (c) the proportion of recruited patients adherent to treatment (defined as at least 80% of drug taken). This study will determine the feasibility of a subsequent larger definitive trial. Secondary outcomes include change of quality of life scores, PTS severity, global improvement, patient satisfaction, bleeding, recurrent venous thromboembolism, leg pain, death and lost to follow-up. Target recruitment will be a total of 60 participants, recruited at 5-6 centres.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Primary ethics approval was received from the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center Research Ethics Board (approval ID 3315). Results of the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed presentation at scientific conferences and open access publication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04794569.

Removing infrarenal inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) with thrombus under protection of suprarenal IVCFs: A retrospective study in a single-center institution

To determine feasibility of removing inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) with massive thrombus (>1*1cm) under protection of suprarenal IVCFs, and evaluate the filter thrombus detachment due to removal. The patients who had massive infrarenal IVCFs thrombus and received retrieval under protection of suprarenal IVCFs were retrospectively reviewed from July 2018 to December 2021. Medical data of them including demographics, filter types, dwell time, management, thrombus detachment was collected, and analyzed. There were 33 patients having massive infrarenal IVCFs thrombus and receiving retrieval under protection of suprarenal IVCFs including 23 males and 10 females with a mean age of 55.30 ± 11.97 (range, 30-85 years). All Infrarenal IVCFs were removed successfully and 29 cases (87.88%) were confirmed detachment of thrombus by cavography including 7 small-size thrombus (<1*1cm) and 22 large-size thrombus (>1*1cm). Twenty-two suprarenal IVCFs trapped large-size thrombus were treated with additional anticoagulation and 21 of them had successful retrievals with additional anticoagulation period of 66.18 ± 43.38 days (range, 9-154 days). The large-size IVCFs thrombus may be break off during retrieval, and IVCFs with large-size thrombus could be removed safely with suprarenal IVCFs protection. The thrombus trapped in filters could be reduced with an additional period of anticoagulation.

Oral direct thrombin inhibitors or oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the treatment of pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a clot can migrate from the deep veins, most commonly in the leg, to the lungs. Conventional treatment of PE used unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), fondaparinux, and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Recently, two forms of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been developed: oral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) and oral factor Xa inhibitors. DOACs have characteristics that may be favourable to conventional treatment, including oral administration, a predictable effect, no need for frequent monitoring or re-dosing, and few known drug interactions. This review reports the efficacy and safety of these drugs in the long-term treatment of PE (minimum duration of three months). This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2015.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of oral DTIs and oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the long-term treatment of PE.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and the ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 2 March 2022. We checked the reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which people with a PE confirmed by standard imaging techniques were allocated to receive an oral DTI or an oral factor Xa inhibitor compared with a conventional anticoagulant or compared with each other for the long-term treatment of PE (minimum duration three months).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were recurrent PE, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, major bleeding, and health-related quality of life. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified five additional RCTs with 1484 participants for this update. Together with the previously included trials, we have included ten RCTs with a total of 13,073 participants. Two studies investigated an oral DTI (dabigatran) and eight studies investigated oral factor Xa inhibitors (three rivaroxaban, three apixaban, and two edoxaban). The studies were of good methodological quality overall.  Meta-analysis showed no clear difference in the efficacy and safety of oral DTI compared with conventional anticoagulation in preventing recurrent PE (odds ratio (OR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 2.04; 2 studies, 1602 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent VTE (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.66; 2 studies, 1602 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), DVT (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.13; 2 studies, 1602 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and major bleeding (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.68; 2 studies, 1527 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence by one level for imprecision due to the low number of events. There was also no clear difference between the oral factor Xa inhibitors and conventional anticoagulation in the prevention of recurrent PE (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.29; 3 studies, 8186 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent VTE (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; 8 studies, 11,416 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), DVT (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.25; 2 studies, 8151 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), all-cause mortality (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.70; 1 study, 4817 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and major bleeding (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.41; 8 studies, 11,447 participants; low-certainty evidence); the heterogeneity for major bleeding was significant (I2 = 79%). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence to moderate and low because of imprecision due to the low number of events and inconsistency due to clinical heterogeneity. None of the included studies measured health-related quality of life.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence shows there is probably little or no difference between DOACs and conventional anticoagulation in the prevention of recurrent PE, recurrent VTE, DVT, all-cause mortality, and major bleeding. The certainty of evidence was moderate or low. Future large clinical trials are required to identify if individual drugs differ in effectiveness and bleeding risk, and to explore effect differences in subgroups, including people with cancer and obesity.

Oral direct thrombin inhibitors or oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a clot forms in the deep veins, most commonly of the leg. It occurs in approximately one in 1000 people. If left untreated, the clot can travel up to the lungs and cause a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). Previously, a DVT was treated with the anticoagulants heparin and vitamin K antagonists. However, two forms of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been developed: oral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) and oral factor Xa inhibitors, which have characteristics that may be favourable compared to conventional treatment, including oral administration, a predictable effect, lack of frequent monitoring or dose adjustment and few known drug interactions. DOACs are now commonly being used for treating DVT: recent guidelines recommended DOACs over conventional anticoagulants for both DVT and PE treatment. This Cochrane Review was first published in 2015. It was the first systematic review to measure the effectiveness and safety of these drugs in the treatment of DVT. This is an update of the 2015 review.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of oral DTIs and oral factor Xa inhibitors versus conventional anticoagulants for the long-term treatment of DVT.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 1 March 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which people with a DVT, confirmed by standard imaging techniques, were allocated to receive an oral DTI or an oral factor Xa inhibitor compared with conventional anticoagulation or compared with each other for the treatment of DVT.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), recurrent DVT and PE. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, major bleeding, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and quality of life (QoL). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 10 new studies with 2950 participants for this update. In total, we included 21 RCTs involving 30,895 participants. Three studies investigated oral DTIs (two dabigatran and one ximelagatran), 17 investigated oral factor Xa inhibitors (eight rivaroxaban, five apixaban and four edoxaban) and one three-arm trial investigated both a DTI (dabigatran) and factor Xa inhibitor (rivaroxaban). Overall, the studies were of good methodological quality. Meta-analysis comparing DTIs to conventional anticoagulation showed no clear difference in the rate of recurrent VTE (odds ratio (OR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 1.65; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent DVT (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.66; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), fatal PE (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.29 to 6.02; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), non-fatal PE (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.59; 3 studies, 5994 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or all-cause mortality (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.08; 1 study, 2489 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). DTIs reduced the rate of major bleeding (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.89; 3 studies, 5994 participants; high-certainty evidence).   For oral factor Xa inhibitors compared with conventional anticoagulation, meta-analysis demonstrated no clear difference in recurrent VTE (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.01; 13 studies, 17,505 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), recurrent DVT (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.01; 9 studies, 16,439 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), fatal PE (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.02; 6 studies, 15,082 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), non-fatal PE (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.27; 7 studies, 15,166 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) or all-cause mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.14; 9 studies, 10,770 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Meta-analysis showed a reduced rate of major bleeding with oral factor Xa inhibitors compared with conventional anticoagulation (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.89; 17 studies, 18,066 participants; high-certainty evidence).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The current review suggests that DOACs may be superior to conventional therapy in terms of safety (major bleeding), and are probably equivalent in terms of efficacy. There is probably little or no difference between DOACs and conventional anticoagulation in the prevention of recurrent VTE, recurrent DVT, pulmonary embolism and all-cause mortality. DOACs reduced the rate of major bleeding compared to conventional anticoagulation. The certainty of evidence was moderate or high.

Warfarin versus factor Xa inhibitors in the long-term treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis a single-center retrospective analysis

Long-term anticoagulation in the treatment of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) has revolved around the use of warfarin. The relatively recent introduction of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs), such as Factor Xa inhibitors, in treating CVSTs promises to offer numerous patient benefits. We aimed to examine the efficacy of Factor Xa inhibitors in comparison to warfarin in the long-term treatment of CVSTs. A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted in which 49 eligible patients having presented with a first-time CVST were identified. Long-term anticoagulation was achieved with Warfarin (n = 23) or Factor Xa Inhibitors (n = 26; Apixaban or Rivaroxaban). Outcomes of interest were improvements in patient functional status, modified Ranking Scores (mRS), and radiographic improvement/resolution in sinus thromboses. Secondary comparisons included complication rates, particularly recurring venous thrombotic events. Patient mRS scores by 7-to-18-month follow-up all fell within the extremely favorable range of 0-1 regardless of the long-term anticoagulant (P-value = 0.3591). Proportion of patients with radiographic improvement/resolution of thrombosed sinuses trended towards being higher in the Factor Xa Inhibitor group at the <12-month period, 69.2%, compared to 33.3% with Warfarin (P-value = 0.0548). By the >12-month follow-up period, Warfarin and Factor Xa inhibitor groups had similar rates of radiographic sinus improvement - 76.9% versus 71.4%, respectively (P-value = 0.6298). No statistically significant differences were documented between groups regarding complications. Factor Xa inhibitors are equally as effective as Warfarin in the long-term treatment of CVSTs, whether it be restoring patient functional status, sinus thrombus burden reduction, or minimizing bleeding complications whilst preventing recurrent venous thrombosis.

New and known predictors of the postthrombotic syndrome: A subanalysis of the ATTRACT trial

Introduction

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) remains associated with significant clinical and economic burden. This study aimed to investigate known and novel predictors of the development of PTS in participants of the ATTRACT (Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal With Adjunctive Catheter‐Directed Thrombolysis) trial.

Methods

We used multivariable logistic regression to identify baseline and postbaseline factors that were predictive of the development of PTS during study follow‐up, as defined by a Villalta score of 5 or greater or the development of a venous ulcer from 6 to 24 months after enrollment.

Results

Among 691 patients in the study cohort (all had proximal deep vein thrombosis [DVT] that extended above the popliteal vein, of which 57% had iliofemoral DVT), 47% developed PTS. Further, we identified that Villalta score at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 1.09 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.13] per one‐unit increase) and employment status (unemployed due to disability: OR, 3.31 [95% CI, 1.72–6.35] vs. employed more than 35 hours per week) were predictive of PTS. In terms of postbaseline predictors, leg pain severity at day 10 (OR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.13–1.45] per 1‐point increase in a 7‐point scale) predicted PTS. Also, patients receiving rivaroxaban on day 10 following randomization had lower rates of PTS (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.33–0.86]) than patients on warfarin.

Conclusions

Novel predictors for PTS identified in our study include baseline Villalta score, leg pain severity at 10 days, and unemployed due to disability. Our findings also suggest that the initial choice of anticoagulant to treat DVT may have an impact on the development of PTS.

Postthrombotic syndrome and quality of life after deep vein thrombosis in patients treated with edoxaban versus warfarin

Background

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a long-term complication after deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can affect quality of life (QoL). Pathogenesis is not fully understood but inadequate anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists is a known risk factor for the development of PTS.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of PTS after acute DVT and the long-term QoL following DVT between patients treated with edoxaban or warfarin.

Methods

We performed a long-term follow-up study in a subset of patients with DVT who participated in the Hokusai-VTE trial between 2010 and 2012 (NCT00986154). Primary outcome was the prevalence of PTS, defined by the Villalta score. The secondary outcome was QoL, assessed by validated disease-specific (VEINES-QOL) and generic health-related (SF-36) questionnaires.

Results

Between 2017 and 2020, 316 patients were enrolled in 26 centers in eight countries, of which 168 (53%) patients had been assigned to edoxaban and 148 (47%) to warfarin during the Hokusai-VTE trial. Clinical, demographic, and thrombus-specific characteristics were comparable for both groups. Mean (SD) time since randomization in the Hokusai-VTE trial was 7.0 (1.0) years. PTS was diagnosed in 85 (51%) patients treated with edoxaban and 62 (42%) patients treated with warfarin (adjusted odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6). Mean differences in QoL scores between treatment groups were not clinically relevant.

Conclusion

Contrary to our hypothesis, the prevalence of PTS tended to be higher in patients treated with edoxaban compared with warfarin. No differences in QoL were observed. Further research is warranted to unravel the role of anticoagulant therapy on development of PTS.

Risk Factors for Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in Patients With a First Proximal Deep Venous Thrombosis Treated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants

The incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) remains a matter of debate. Hence, our endeavor to investigate a large cohort of patients with a first episode of proximal DVT treated with DOACs to ascertain the incidence and predisposing risk factors for PTS. All consecutive patients referred to the Thrombotic and Haemorrhagic Diseases Unit of Padova University Hospital (Italy) between January 2014 and January 2018 for a first episode of proximal DVT were considered for enrollment. Participants received DOACs for a minimum period of 3 months. PTS was assessed using the Villalta score up to 36 months after DVT diagnosis. Among 769 enrolled patients (M/F 353/416, age range 26–87 years), 152 (19.8%) developed PTS and 30 (3.9%) developed severe PTS. The adjusted hazard ratio was significant for obesity (1.64, 95% CI 1.28–2.39) and DVT site (femoral and/or iliac veins vs popliteal vein) (1.23, 95% CI 1.15–3.00). The incidence of PTS is not negligible in patients with proximal DVT despite the use of DOACs. We identified obesity and iliofemoral DVT as possible risk factors for PTS. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings and optimize therapeutic strategies.

[Risk of post-thrombotic syndrome following direct oral anticoagulant intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of data devoted to the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) following direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) intake.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials available in the PubMed database were performed in March 2021. Analysis included the reports with known Villalta score for PTS in patients receiving DOACs or alternative anticoagulation. We analyzed the incidence and risk of any form of PTS.

RESULTS

We found 10 comparative studies comprising 3161 patients. Incidence of PTS under DOAC therapy was 30.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 22.2-39.3%), severe PTS - 2.2% (95% CI 1.0-3.4%). DOACs were associated with significantly less risk of any form of PTS (odds ratio (OR) 0.57; 95% CI 0.48-0.68; p<0.001) and severe PTS (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.36-0.87; p=0.010) compared to vitamin K antagonists. Among various DOACs, specified data were available only for rivaroxaban (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p<0.001 for any PTS; OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.89, p=0.019 for severe PTS). The use of flavonoids in adjunction to rivaroxaban was associated with additional risk reduction for PTS (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.06-0.31; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Moderate quality evidence suggests that DOACs are associated with significant less risk of any PTS and severe PTS compared to VKA in patients with deep vein thrombosis. Among all DOACs, only rivaroxaban has clear data confirming PTS risk reduction. The use of flavonoids in adjunction to rivaroxaban can further improve treatment outcomes.

Prevention of the post thrombotic syndrome with anticoagulation: a narrative review

The post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is chronic venous insufficiency secondary to a prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is the most common complication of VTE and, while not fatal, it can lead to chronic, unremitting symptoms as well as societal and economic consequences. The cornerstone of PTS treatment lies in its prevention after DVT. Specific PTS preventative measures include the use of elastic compression stockings (ECS) and pharmacomechanical catheter directed thrombolysis (PCDT). However, the efficacy of these treatments has been questioned by large RCTs. So far, anticoagulation, primarily prescribed to prevent DVT extension and recurrence, appears to be the only unquestionably effective treatment for the prevention of PTS. In this literature review we present pathophysiological, biological, radiological and clinical data supporting the efficacy of anticoagulants to prevent PTS and the possible differential efficacy among available classes of anticoagulants (vitamin K antagonists (VKA), low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)). Data suggest that LMWHs and DOACs are superior to VKAs, but no head-to-head comparison is available between DOACs and LMWHs. Owing to their potentially greater anti-inflammatory properties, LMWHs could be superior to DOACs. This finding may be of interest particularly in patients with extensive DVT at high risk of moderate to severe PTS, but needs to be confirmed by a dedicated RCT.

Post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with venous thromboembolism treated with dabigatran or warfarin: A long-term cross-sectional follow-up of RE-COVER study patients

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest that the direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban compared to warfarin reduces the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but this has not been evaluated for oral direct thrombin inhibitors.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the long-term prevalence of PTS, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with acute DVT and/or pulmonary embolism (PE), randomized to treatment with dabigatran or warfarin in the phase III RE-COVER studies.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional follow-up study of patients randomized in Canada, Norway, and Sweden. PTS was assessed by the patient-reported Villalta scale (PRV) and HRQoL by EQ-5D and VEINES-QOL/Sym.

RESULTS

We included 349 patients between December 2015 and November 2018; 166 were treated with dabigatran and 183 with warfarin. DVT (+/- PE) was index event in 255 patients, whereas 94 patients had PE only. Mean time from index event was 8.7 (standard deviation 1.4) years. PTS was diagnosed in 63% of patients with DVT and in 46% of patients with PE only, and did not differ between the treatment groups; the crude odds ratio (OR) for PTS in patients treated with dabigatran compared with warfarin was 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-1.8) after DVT and 1.2 (95% CI 0.5-2.6) after PE only. The prevalence of recurrent VTE was 21% in both treatment groups. HRQoL scores did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

In this long-term cross-sectional study, the prevalence of PTS, recurrent VTE, and HRQoL were similar in patients treated with dabigatran and warfarin.

Efficacy of rivaroxaban in prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been recommended for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, the benefits are uncertain for the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported studies to assess the efficacy of DOACs vs vitamin K antagonists for the risk reduction of PTS in patients with DVT.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Web of Science for studies reporting on the development of PTS after acute DVT. The outcomes were the risk reduction of PTS, PTS severity, the presence of residual vein thrombosis, and the incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolic (VTE) events.

RESULTS

A total of 59,199 patients from six retrospective and two randomized controlled studies had received DOAC treatment and were followed up for the development of PTS. In all studies, rivaroxaban had been compared with initial low-molecular-weight heparin followed by warfarin. Of the 59,199 patients, 19,840 (33.5%) had received rivaroxaban and 39,377 (66.5%), warfarin. The rivaroxaban group had a significant reduction in PTS development compared with the warfarin group (odds ratio [OR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.63; P < .001). Severe PTS was less common in the rivaroxaban group than in the warfarin group (3.7% vs 6.4%; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.85; P = .024). Additionally, rivaroxaban was associated with a significant reduction in VTE recurrence (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.59-1.18; P = .03) and low rates of residual vein thrombosis compared with warfarin (36.5% vs 51.8%; P = .037).

CONCLUSIONS

Rivaroxaban after acute DVT was associated with a reduced risk of PTS compared with warfarin. Patients treated with rivaroxaban more rarely developed severe PTS and recurrent VTE events compared with patients treated with warfarin.

Can we predict and prevent the postthrombotic syndrome?

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) remains one of the major late complications of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with a reported prevalence from 10 to 50%. Many factors were found to be related with the development and severity of PTS such as ipsilateral recurrent DVT, advanced age, obesity, ilio-femoral DVT and primary chronic venous disease presence. Some PTS prediction models have been proposed based on risk factor weight. However, it is still difficult to predict which patient with DVT will develop PTS and thus, the clinical application of these models remains limited. Among the identified problems the heterogeneity of the DVT patient population together with the variety of PTS clinical presentations and difficulties concerning PTS severity assessment should be mentioned. Difficulties on the implementation of the specific and objective PTS identification method have also the significant influence on the research focusing on PTS prevention modalities including risk factor modification, compression treatment, anticoagulation and invasive DVT treatment. In this review, the current approach and knowledge on PTS prediction and prevention are presented, including the conservative and invasive DVT treatment possibilities.

Insights from experimental post-thrombotic syndrome and potential for novel therapies

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is an end stage manifestation of deep vein thrombosis. This is an inherently inflammatory process, with consequent fibrosis. Multiple cellular types are involved, and are likely driven by leukocytes. Herein, we review the current gaps in therapy, and insights from rodent models of venous thrombosis that suggest possible targets to treat and prevent PTS.

The risk of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis treated with the direct oral anticoagulants

The novel direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have been shown to be at least as effective as and safer than conventional anticoagulants for the initial and long-term treatment of venous thromboembolic disorders. However, the rate of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) treated with the DOACs is unknown. With the adoption of the Villalta scale, we assessed the rate of PTS at the end of the follow-up period in a consecutive series of 309 outpatients with acute proximal DVT who had received at least 3 months of treatment with a DOAC and had been followed-up for up to 3 years. The rate of PTS development was compared with that recorded in a historical cohort of 1036 consecutive patients who had been treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and had received a similar follow-up examination. Logistic regression analysis, including propensity scoring to adjust for differing probabilities of undergoing VKA/DOAC, was used to identify predictors of PTS. PTS developed in 87 patients (28.2%) treated with the DOACs (severe in 12), and in 443 patients (42.8%) treated with VKAs (severe in 61). After adjusting for estimated propensity score, age, gender, concomitant symptoms of pulmonary embolism, duration of anticoagulation and development of residual vein thrombosis, the risk of PTS in the DOAC-treated patients was reduced by 54% in comparison to patients treated with conventional anticoagulation (odds ratio 0.46; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.63). We conclude that in comparison to VKAs, the use of the direct oral anticoagulants has the potential to offer a more favorable prognosis in terms of PTS development.

Use of New Oral Anticoagulants / Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Malignant Patients

Vitamin K antagonists are being used in the last five decades as an effective anticoagulant. However, for the past few years, new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been introduced as newer anticoagulant agents, which are gradually replacing the previously used vitamin K antagonist. Yet, these agents have not fully replaced the use of warfarin and heparin. NOACs have few advantages over the vitamin K antagonist as they act on a specific factor of coagulation cascade rather than inhibiting the whole vitamin K synthesis. In this article, all the data has been searched electronically on PubMed and PRISMA guidelines were not followed. Instead, we used MOOSE statements and the data searched on PubMed was from articles published in the last five years. A total of 12,269 patients were observed;,out of which 64.19% had active cancer and 35.80% was observed as a control group comprised of both male or female participants. Approximately 61.14% were using NOACs, 42.83% were on warfarin, and 2.72% were on low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). The NOACs used in different patients were in the following percentages; edoxaban (6.81%), apixaban (5.28%), dabigatran (10.09%), and rivaroxaban (10.02%). The use of NOACs has been increasing day by day but these agents have not completely replaced the warfarin or heparin, because of some demerits associated with the use of warfarin and some conditions where these drugs should be avoided. All NOACs have either hepatic or renal clearance so the hepatic activity and creatinine clearance rate must be monitored before the start of NOACs. The drug interaction between anticancer drugs and NOACs is still not fully reported. The effects of NOACs in AF and VTE are therapeutically effective, but in oncology patients several other co-factors are also involved with the use of NOACs due to which, it is either contraindicated or in some cases dose adjustment is required. However, very little information has been collected and more investigation must be done in this perspective.

Ultrasound Aspects and Recanalization Rates in Patients with Lower-Limb Deep Venous Thrombosis Treated with Rivaroxaban

BACKGROUND

In this article, we report the ultrasound aspects and recanalization rates of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs treated with the rivaroxaban, focusing on the recanalization rate and the ultrasonographic aspects.

METHODS

This was a prospective and consecutive cohort study of patients admitted with DVT who were submitted to treatment with rivaroxaban for 6 months at the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual, São Paulo, Brazil, between March 2016 and July 2018.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients with DVT were admitted to the Vascular Surgery Department and received rivaroxaban for 6 months. The follow-up time was 360 days. Analyses were performed at 180 and 360 days. The rate of total venous recanalization at 360 days was 76.4% (39 patients). The incidence of partial venous recanalization was 23.5% (12 patients). At the first month, 11 patients (21.7%) continued with total occlusion of the vein, with 4 patients (6.5%) with no residual thrombi. However, at 6 months, only 2 patients (2.2%) continued with total occlusion of the vein, with 26 patients (47.8%) with no residual thrombi. At 12 months, there were 39 patients (76.4%) with no residual thrombi. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified the following factors related to total venous recanalization: the absence of popliteal vein reflux (odds ratio [OR], 0.386; P = 0.007), no residual thrombi (OR, 3.213; P = 0.008), femoropopliteal clot length at 1 month (OR, 3.021; P = 0.016), femoropopliteal clot length at 6 months (OR, 2.234; P = 0.008). The incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) at 12 months was 8.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients who received oral rivaroxaban displayed satisfactory total vein recanalization rate after 6 months and 12 months. The factors associated with better total recanalization rates were the absence of popliteal vein reflux, the absence of residual thrombi in the veins, femoropopliteal clot length at 1 month (OR, 3.021; P = 0.016), and femoropopliteal clot length at 6 months (OR, 2.234; P = 0.008). Moreover, the incidence of PTS at 12 months was 8.3%.

Analysis of Effectiveness, Safety, and Bleeding Related to Rivaroxaban in Elderly Patients

This study explored the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in elderly patients, at different doses and age of patients, and analyzed risk factors of bleeding. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 299 patients aged 60 years or older who were admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2016 and August 2018. It was found that the rate of bleeding events (but not embolism) significantly increased as the dose of oral rivaroxaban increased (P < .001), and with age, especially in patients aged ≥80 years (P = .001, both). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age (odds ratio [OR]: 2.963, 95% CI: 1.627-5.396) and the daily dose of rivaroxaban (OR: 2.325, 95% CI: 1.483-3.645) were independent risk factors for bleeding. The study determined that rivaroxaban anticoagulant therapy is effective in the elderly patients, but the risk of bleeding increases with age, and is a concern especially in the most old patients. The recommended daily dose of rivaroxaban is effective, but a lower dose is safer for the elderly patients.