Anticoagulación extendida en la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. A favor

Venous thromboembolism disease can be considered a chronic disease because, after the first episode, there is a life-long risk of recurrence. Recurrence is a severe complication. Anticoagulation is effective while it is maintained, but when it is discontinued, the risk of new thrombotic events persists indefinitely. Clinical practice guidelines offer specific recommendations on the treatment duration for patients with provoked or recurrent disease but are not specific for those with a first unprovoked episode. The decision should be made after a careful individual assessment of the risk-benefit of anticoagulation. This article reviews the evidence in favour of extending the anticoagulation and the current therapeutic options.