Deep Vein Thrombosis – Treatment Outline

The key objectives of treatments for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are:

• Preventing blood clots from growing bigger in size.
• Preventing the blood clot from reaching the lungs which could lead to pulmonary embolism.
• Preventing postthrombotic syndrome – a disorder leading to inflammation of the inflicted leg.
• Preventing blood clots from recurring.

Preliminary Line of Treatment

In case signs & symptoms of deep vein thrombosis have been identified, then testing would commence instantaneously for ascertaining if one had a blood clot in the leg. Alternatively, in case blood clot has been diagnosed in the lung – a condition known as pulmonary embolism, then the physician would carry out tests for deep vein thrombosis.

Following diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis, treatment commences right away for reducing the chances of the blood clot growing or a portion of the clot could loosen out and make its way to the lungs leading to pulmonary embolism. Treating such an individual early on would lower chances of postthrombotic syndrome.

Anticoagulant drugs namely warfarin (like Coumadin) and heparin are employed for treating DVT. Heparin is administered via intravenous route or as a shot and has instant action. Warfarin is administered orally and could take a number of days for becoming effectual. Frequently, the duo medications are commenced together, after which heparin is stopped subsequent to warfarin becoming effectual. Several individuals could be advised long-term use of LMWH (low-molecular-weight heparin) rather than warfarin.

In case blood clot has developed in the proximal leg vein (upper part) then warfarin intake would be recommended for 3-6 months or more. Based on the individual risk factors and conclusion of indicated time period of intake, continuing lesser warfarin (like Coumadin) dosages on an on-going basis would be medically advised for preventing DVT from relapsing.

Duo heparin forms are obtainable for treating DVT, namely, unfractioned heparin or UH which is administered in the hospital facility and LMWH could be self-injected in the convenience of one’s home.  LMWH heparin generally does not need intervallic blood analysis for monitoring its outcomes, though each of these anticoagulant medications have equal efficacy.

Classically, in case blood clot has developed in calf region (distal leg vein) then anticoagulants would be advised for three to six months, time span varying according to an individual’s health. At times, the physician would not commence drugs immediately and could adopt a wait-&-watch policy for 1-2 days to observe whether blood clot is developing. NSAID or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) could be advised for providing respite from symptoms.

Other medical advice for allaying inflammation could comprise of:

• Keeping affected leg elevated whenever doable.
• Heating pads.
• Taking walks.
• Wearing compression stocking.

All those people incapable of taking anticoagulants could require vena cava filter or diverse medications.

On-going treatment

In case DVT has affected the upper part of the leg, warfarin (like Coumadin) could be advised for three to six months and likely for even extended time spans following preliminary treatment. Long standing use of LMWH could be advised for some individuals rather than warfarin.

Subsequent to 3-6 months of use, continual use of anticoagulants could be advised for preventing DVT from relapsing.

Blood could be drawn by the doctor on a regular basis for monitoring whether the anticoagulants are functioning as expected.

Treatment for deteriorating condition

In case clot development is continuing or pulmonary embolism has occurred when on the course of anticoagulants then insertion of a vena cava filter could be done intravenously.

Expectant mothers are usually not advised oral-intake anticoagulants warfarin (like Coumadin) due to them being causal to birth anomalies. But, intravenous administration of UH or LMWH shots generally are safe all through gestational term. Oral anti-coagulants are advised soon after delivery of the baby.

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