Nuevas estrategias en la prevención secundaria de la recurrencia de la tromboembolia venosa

Treatment of venous thromboembolism includes an acute phase treatment,followed by a secondary prophylaxis period. Oral anticoagulants have been the usual treatment for secondary prophylaxis of VTE. However, some issues regarding oral anticoagulant treatment (OAT), such as length or intensity are controversial. The appropiate duration of OAT depends on the individual risk of both, thrombotic recurrence and hemorragic complications. Recent sudies suggest that full-dose OAT is more effective and as safe as low-dose OAT. On the other hand, low-molecular-weight heparins are an alternative for the secondary prophylaxis of VTE, being the treatment of choice in patients with cancer or during pregnancy. Probably, new antithrombotic drugs such as idraparinux or ximelagatran, will be considered as another therapeutic alternative in a near future.