Warfarin-induced deep vein thrombosis
- PMID: 25246809
- PMCID: PMC4166964
- DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S62100
Warfarin-induced deep vein thrombosis
Abstract
We are presenting a 72-year-old female who was admitted to hospital with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was known to have atrial fibrillation and was initiated on warfarin for stroke prophylaxis 3 days earlier. She was given warfarin therapy without low molecular weight heparin cover as per "slow-start regimen" protocol. The warfarin dose was increased after 3 days to achieve rapid anticoagulation, resulting in DVT in the left leg. We propose that the higher unopposed warfarin dose utilized in this case resulted in DVT. Warfarin loading doses may paradoxically result in a hypercoagulable state and potential clot formation because of significant reductions in protein C and protein S levels.
Keywords: deep vein thrombosis; protein C; protein S; slow-start regimen; stroke prophylaxis; warfarin; warfarin-induced skin necrosis.
References
-
- Tait RC, Sefcick A. A warfarin induction regimen for out-patient anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Br J Haematol. 1998;101(3):450–454. - PubMed
-
- Fuster V, Rydén LE, Asinger RW, et al. American College of Cardiology. American Heart Association. European Society of Cardiology. North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines and Policy Conferences (Committee to develop guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation) developed in collaboration with the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Eur Heart J. 2001;22(20):1852–1923. - PubMed
-
- Guyatt GH, Akl EA, Crowther M, Gutterman DD, Schuünemann HJ. American College of Chest Physicians Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis Panel. Executive summary: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis. 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141(Suppl 2):7S–47S. - PMC - PubMed
-
- Hirsh J, Dalen JE, Deykin D, Poller L, Bussey H. Oral anticoagulants: mechanism of action, clinical effectiveness, and optimal therapeutic range. Chest. 1995;108(Suppl 4):231S–246S. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
