Lancet
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Optimum duration of anticoagulation for deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Research Committee of the British Thoracic Society.
The optimum duration of anticoagulation therapy for deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) is not clear. We have carried out a multicentre comparison of 4 weeks' and 3 months' anticoagulation in patients admitted to hospital with acute DVT, PE, or both. Of 712 patients enrolled, 358 were assigned 4 weeks' treatment and 354 3 months'. ⋯ By contrast, among medical patients the rate was 12.8%, with a clear difference in favour of 3 months' treatment. If venous thromboembolism arises after surgery, 4 weeks of anticoagulation should be adequate. In other settings, patients with new DVT, PE, or both, who do not have a persisting underlying cause or risk factor should receive anticoagulants for 3 months.