Management of Venous Thromboembolism

A new evidence-based practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians

Based on a systematic review of the clinical evidence, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians have developed a new practice guideline for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

The guideline's recommendations are:

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) should be used for inpatient treatment of deep- vein thrombosis (DVT); LMWH or unfractionated heparin may be used to treat pulmonary embolism.
Outpatient treatment of VTE is appropriate for patients without prior VTE, thrombophilic conditions, or substantial comorbidity, but not in those who are pregnant or likely not to adhere to therapy.
Compression stockings (over-the-counter or custom-fit) should be used starting within 1 month of proximal DVT a…

Reviewing Author

Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, FACP, FASAM