Serial D-dimers after anticoagulant cessation in unprovoked venous thromboembolism: Data from the REVERSE cohort study.

Introduction: While several risk stratification tools have been developed to predict the risk of recurrence in patients with an unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE), only 1 in 4 patients are categorized as low-risk. Rather than a one-time measure, serial D-dimer assessment holds promise to enhance the prediction of VTE recurrence after oral anticoagulant (OAC) cessation.

Methods: Using the REVERSE cohort, we compared VTE recurrence among patients with normal D-dimer levels (<490 ng/mL among males under age 70, <500 ng/mL in others) at OAC cessation and 1-month follow-up, to those with an elevated D-dimer level at either timepoint.

The risk of major bleeding in patients with factor V Leiden or prothrombin G20210A gene mutation while on extended anticoagulant treatment for venous thromboembolism.

Background: Thrombophilia predisposes to venous thromboembolism (VTE) because of acquired or hereditary factors. Among them, it has been suggested that gene mutations of the factor V Leiden (FVL) or prothrombin G20210A mutation (PGM) might reduce the risk of bleeding, but little data exist for patients treated using anticoagulants.

Objectives: To assess whether thrombophilia is protective against bleeding.

Predicting major bleeding during extended anticoagulation for unprovoked or weakly provoked venous thromboembolism.

No clinical prediction model has been specifically developed or validated to identify patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) who are at high risk of major bleeding during extended anticoagulation. In a prospective multinational cohort study of patients with unprovoked VTE receiving extended anticoagulation after completing ≥3 months of initial treatment, we derived a new clinical prediction model using a multivariable Cox regression model based on 22 prespecified candidate predictors for the primary outcome of major bleeding. This model was then compared with modified versions of 5 existing clinical scores.

Colour Doppler ultrasound and the giant cell arteritis probability score for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis: a Canadian single-centre experience.

Objectives: The aim was to compare the accuracy of colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and temporal artery biopsy (TAB) to establish the final diagnosis of GCA and to determine how the GCA probability score (GCAPS) performs as a risk stratification tool.

Methods: Descriptive statistics were performed on a retrospective cohort of patients referred to our vasculitis referral centre between 1 July 2017 and 1 October 2020 for suspected GCA. CDUS, TAB, centre-specific TAB (vasculitis centre referring hospitals) and GCAPS were compared against the final diagnosis of GCA as determined by a GCA expert; CDUS was also compared with TAB results.

Long-term risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism after a first contraceptive-related event: Data from REVERSE cohort study.

Introduction: The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) after combined oral contraceptive (COC) use is variably reported. We assessed the long-term risk of recurrent VTE in women on COC at the time of a first VTE, in comparison to women without COC use. Our secondary aim assessed the impact of COC use on the recurrent VTE risk in high-risk and low-risk hyperpigmentation, edema, or redness in either leg; D-dimer level ≥250 μg/L; obesity with body mass index ≥30; or older age, ≥65 years (HERDOO2) subgroups.

Rivaroxaban Compared to Placebo for the Treatment of Leg Superficial Vein Thrombosis: A Randomized Trial.

The role of rivaroxaban in the treatment of leg superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is uncertain. This article aims to determine if rivaroxaban is an effective and safe treatment for leg SVT. Patients with symptomatic leg SVT of at least 5 cm length were randomized to 45 days of rivaroxaban 10 mg daily or to placebo, and followed for a total of 90 days.

Residual pulmonary embolism as a predictor for recurrence after a first unprovoked episode: Results from the REVERSE cohort study.

Background: The optimal duration of oral anticoagulant therapy after a first, unprovoked venous thromboembolism is controversial due to tightly balanced risks and benefits of indefinite anticoagulation. Risk stratification tools may assist in decision making.

Objectives: We sought to determine the relationship between residual pulmonary embolism assessed by baseline ventilation-perfusion scan after completion of 5-7months of oral anticoagulant therapy and the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with the first episode of unprovoked pulmonary embolism.

Long-term risk of venous thrombosis after stopping anticoagulants for a first unprovoked event: A multi-national cohort.

Background: Choosing short-term (3-6 months) or indefinite anticoagulation after a first unprovoked venous thromboembolic event (VTE) is a common and difficult clinical decision. The long-term absolute risk of recurrent VTE after a first unprovoked VTE, in all patients and sub-groups, is not well established, hindering decision making.

Methods: We conducted a multi-center multi-national prospective cohort study in first unprovoked VTE patients to establish the long-term risk of recurrent VTE after short-term anticoagulation in first unprovoked VTE patients (and sub-groups).

Screening for Occult Cancer in Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism.

Background: Venous thromboembolism may be the earliest sign of cancer. Currently, there is a great diversity in practices regarding screening for occult cancer in a person who has an unprovoked venous thromboembolism. We sought to assess the efficacy of a screening strategy for occult cancer that included comprehensive computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis in patients who had a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism.

Interrater agreement for two systems used to determine the probability of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Purpose: The interrater reliability of the 4T's method and the HIT expert probability (HEP) score for clinical evaluation of suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) was investigated.

Methods: Patients hospitalized over a three-year period who were tested for HIT via anti-platelet factor 4 (anti-PF4) antigen assay were identified using laboratory data; 127 patient cases met the study inclusion criteria. Nine clinical pharmacists with expertise in HIT management evaluated the 127 cases using two pretest scoring systems: the 4T's score and the HEP score.

Compression stockings to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common and burdensome complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Previous trials suggesting benefit of elastic compression stockings (ECS) to prevent PTS were small, single-centre studies without placebo control. We aimed to assess the efficacy of ECS, compared with placebo stockings, for the prevention of PTS.

Non-OO blood type influences the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism. A cohort study.

The role of ABO blood type as a risk factor for recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with a first unprovoked VTE who complete oral anticoagulation therapy is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if non-OO blood type is a risk factor for recurrent VTE in patients with a first unprovoked VTE who completed 5-7 months of anticoagulant therapy. In an ongoing cohort study of patients with unprovoked VTE who discontinued oral anticoagulation after 5-7 months of therapy, six single nucleotide polymorphisms sites were tested to determine ABO blood type using banked DNA.

Risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism after a first oestrogen-associated episode. Data from the REVERSE cohort study.

The use of exogenous oestrogen in women with otherwise unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) could be considered sufficient explanation to classify VTE as provoked if the risk of recurrent VTE after 3-6 months of anticoagulant treatment is similar to the risk of recurrent VTE observed after a surgery or prolonged immobilisation. Our objective was to assess the risk of recurrent VTE in women after a first unprovoked episode on oestrogen. The REVERSE study is a cohort study of patients with a first unprovoked VTE treated with anticoagulant treatment for 5-7 months.

Identifying unprovoked thromboembolism patients at low risk for recurrence who can discontinue anticoagulant therapy.

Background: Whether to continue oral anticoagulant therapy beyond 6 months after an "unprovoked" venous thromboembolism is controversial. We sought to determine clinical predictors to identify patients who are at low risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism who could safely discontinue oral anticoagulants.

Methods: In a multicentre prospective cohort study, 646 participants with a first, unprovoked major venous thromboembolism were enrolled over a 4-year period.

Diagnosing pulmonary embolism in outpatients with clinical assessment, D-dimer measurement, venous ultrasound, and helical computed tomography: a multicenter management study.

Purpose: To evaluate a diagnostic strategy for pulmonary embolism that combined clinical assessment, plasma D-dimer measurement, lower limb venous ultrasonography, and helical computed tomography (CT).

Methods: A cohort of 965 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency departments of three general and teaching hospitals with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism underwent sequential noninvasive testing. Clinical probability was assessed by a prediction rule combined with implicit judgment.

[Clinical evaluation of thrombo-embolic venous disease].

Clinical manifestations of venous thromboembolism are often subtle or misleading. Yet it is a potentially fatal condition. Although the symptoms and signs at presentation have a poor sensitivity and specificity when considered singly, the physician can accurately assess a clinical probability based on the history, the risk factors, the physical examination and some simple laboratory exams.

Comparison of two clinical prediction rules and implicit assessment among patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.

Purpose: Two prediction rules for pulmonary embolism have been described recently: the Wells' rule, which was derived from both outpatients and inpatients, and which includes a subjective element; and the Geneva rule, which is entirely standardized and is suitable only for emergency department patients. We compared the predictive accuracy and the concordance of the two methods, as well as the Geneva score overridden by implicit clinical judgment.

Subjects And Methods: We studied 277 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency departments of three teaching hospitals.