Family history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) as a predictor for recurrent VTE in unprovoked VTE patients.
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a common potentially lethal condition [1-2]. Treatment with oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy is effective at reducing recurrent VTE, but long-term oral anticoagulation therapy needs to be counterbalanced with the risk of major bleeding. Identification of subgroups of patients with unprovoked VTE that have lower and higher risk of recurrent VTE is important to help tailor length of anticoagulation in this population. © 2012 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.