Ethiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Prognostic Factors for the Evolution of Deep Vein Thrombosis Followed-Up by Serial Venous Doppler Ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a dynamic process that can be followed-up by Doppler ultrasound (DUS).

AIMS

We aim to evaluate the role of certain factors that can influence the evolution of DVT.

METHODS

In 121 DVT patients (58.19±14.47 years), 30 with no venous-thromboembolism (VTE) identifiable risk factors, 31 with weak risk factors, 30 with moderate and 30 with strong risk factors, DUS was performed at admission and after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months (M). Favourable evolution was defined as complete thrombus resolution, and unfavourable evolution as incomplete resolution, thrombosis recurrence, and postthrombotic syndrome.

RESULTS

Complete thrombus resolution was found at M1 in 24.8% of patients, at M6 in 49.6% patients, and at M24 in 61.2% patients. Favourable evolution presented younger patients at M1 and M3 (p = 0.004, p = 0.045), and in cases with earlier treatment (p<0.0001). In proximal DVT the risk of non-favourable evolution was higher (4.05 times at M3, 4.23 times at M6, 4.29 times at M12). Patients with moderate risk factors had an earlier favourable evolution (40% at M1, 56.67% at M6, 70% at M24), and patients with strong risk factors had the slowest rate of thrombus regression (20% at M1, 36.67% at M6, 43.33% at M24).

CONCLUSIONS

DVT evolution can last up to 24 months. Older age, strong VTE risk factors, proximal DVT localization and late-start of therapy provide unfavourable evolutive prognosis. These cases needs more closely clinical and DUS monitoring to prevent complications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.