Vol 52, No 4 (2021)
Review article
Published online: 2021-08-31

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Risk assessment of recurrent venous thromboembolism

Jacek Musiał1
DOI: 10.5603/AHP.2021.0081
Acta Haematol Pol 2021;52(4):436-441.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence risk is determined by risk factors that were present at the time of the initial VTE episode. The most significant determinant of risk for recurrent VTE is whether the VTE occurred in the setting of provoked or unprovoked condition. As anticoagulation reduces the risk of recurrent VTE, initial anticoagulant treatment at the time of VTE diagnosis is indicated with consideration given to an associated risk of bleeding. After three months of initial anticoagulation, recurrence risk and bleeding risk should be assessed again to decide if anticoagulation should be stopped or continued indefinitely. If indefinite anticoagulation is recommended, annual assessment of both risks should guide decisions about further treatment. Knowledge about the various risk factors for VTE recurrence and the risk factors for bleeding associated with anticoagulation should guide anticoagulant duration.

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