Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnętrznej
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · May 2023
ReviewHow to predict recurrent venous thromboembolism and bleeding? A review of recent advances and their implications.
After the first venous thromboembolism (VTE), anticoagulant treatment duration should be based on the balance between the risk of recurrence and bleeding. However, this decision is challenging on the individual level. Prediction models that accurately estimate these risks may help selecting patients that would benefit from either short or indefinite anticoagulant treatment. ⋯ Notably, these models are rarely used in clinical practice and none of them is incorporated in current guidelines due to insufficient accuracy or insufficient validation. Moreover, evidence supporting the value of implementing these models is still lacking. Before these models can be used in routine care, further refinement may be required, and their added value and feasibility should be proven in both management and implementation studies.
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · May 2023
ReviewHow to treat patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis: recent advances.
Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an unusual-site venous thromboembolism that includes portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis as well as the Budd-Chiari syndrome. SVT is a relatively rare disease (portal vein thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome are, respectively, the most and the least common presentations); roughly one‑third of the cases are detected incidentally, and liver cirrhosis and solid cancer represent the main risk factors. Once SVT is diagnosed, careful patient evaluation should be performed to assess the stage, grade, and extension of the thrombosis, as well as the risks and benefits of the anticoagulation regimen. ⋯ Data on the use of direct oral anticoagulants are increasing and promising. In selected patients and in specialized centers, interventional procedures may be considered in adjunction to anticoagulation in the cases of mesenteric or extensive SVT, intestinal ischemia, or in the patients whose condition deteriorates despite adequate anticoagulant therapy. In this narrative review, we summarize the available data regarding anticoagulation in patients with SVT, identify specific subgroups of patients who may achieve the greatest benefits from anticoagulant therapy, and provide practical advice for clinicians caring for these patients.