Outpatient Treatment Is Likely Safe for Patients with Low-Risk VTE

Most patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) are admitted as inpatients to begin treatment, but this may not be necessary, especially for patients at low risk for adverse events. In an observational study at two academic EDs, researchers enrolled 106 low-risk patients with VTE (67% with deep vein thrombosis, 28% pulmonary embolism, 5% both), started them on rivaroxaban, and assessed them at two follow-up visits at a dedicated clinic (at 2–5 weeks and 3−6 months later). Low-risk status was determined using the Hestia criteria.

During follow-up, no patient had recurrent VTE, had major or clinically relevant bleeding (as defined by the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis definition…