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Rivaroxaban is an orally active inhibitor of activated clotting-factor X that has shown promise in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in orthopedic patients (JW Oncol Hematol Jun 25 2008). Therefore, evidence of its safety and efficacy in treating patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been eagerly anticipated. The results of this phase II trial do not disappoint.
In the industry-sponsored, multicenter trial, 543 patients with acute DVT were randomized to receive rivaroxaban in one of three dosages (20 mg, 30 mg, or 40 mg, once daily, until day 84) or a standard regimen of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and oral vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Because the investigators expected the rate of recurrent VTE to be low, the ef…