This slide gives some recommendations
for duration of anticoagulation in patients with VTE, based on risk
for recurrent VTE. Patients with VTE and time-limited risk factors such
as surgery or transient immobilization can be anticoagulated for 3-6
months. Patients with no discernable risk factor (idiopathic VTE) should
be treated for at least 6 months. Some patients should be treated for
a much longer period, and some should receive lifetime anticoagulation.
Patients who require long-term treatment include those with recurrent
VTE or certain high-risk conditions such as cancer, anticardiolipin
antibody (antiphospholipid antibody), and antithrombin deficiency.
