Optimal Duration of Anticoagulation Following Venous Thromboembolism Among Patients With and Without Inherited Thrombophilia

The optimal duration of oral anticoagulation following a venous thromboembolic event is controversial. The goal of therapy is to prevent recurrent events without exposing the patient to unnecessary hemorrhagic risk. Studies of the long-term clinical course of venous thromboembolism (VTE) suggest a high recurrence rate (1,2) particularly when the index event is idiopathic. However, the risk of bleeding while on oral anticoagulation is directly related to the length of exposure. Thus, at some point, the risk of treatment may outweigh the potential benefit.