Time course and the recanalization rate of superficial vein thrombosis treated with low-molecular-weight heparin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to follow the thrombus progression and regression in superficial veins of lower limbs in patients with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Patients (n = 68) with a first symptomatic SVT of the lower limbs received 2 different dosages of dalteparin. The primary outcome was a change in the diameter and length of thrombus in the affected veins. The regression of thrombus was not significantly different between the groups (P = .19). The reduction in the length of thrombus as well as thrombus diameter was significantly greater in females. At the end of the observation period, the length of thrombus in the distal part was more reduced than in the proximal segments. It seems that the dosage of anticoagulant drug does not have a significant impact on thrombus resolution.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01245998.

Keywords: heparin; recanalization; superficial veins; thrombosis; ultrasound.