Post-thrombotic syndrome: current prevention and management strategies

Abstract

The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most commonly occurring long-term complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with a cumulative incidence of up to 50% within the first 2 years after the thrombotic event. It is characterized by the development of various symptoms and signs related to chronic venous disease in a limb previously affected by DVT. PTS is a condition that significantly impairs quality of life and results in substantial burden to patients and society. So far, treatment options for PTS are limited, and strategies that prevent PTS occurrence are therefore of pivotal importance. These include compression therapy, prevention of recurrent ipsilateral DVT and possibly endovascular catheter-directed thrombolytic procedures. Clinical predictors of PTS are progressively characterized, but the ability to predict which patient with DVT is likely to develop PTS remains limited.

Keywords::

• catheter-directed thrombolysis
• compression stockings
• deep venous thrombosis
• definition
• diagnosis
• management
• post-thrombotic syndrome
• prevention
• risk factors
• treatment

Financial & competing interests disclosure

S Kahn has received public grant funding as well as in-kind support from Sigvaris for trials of interventions to prevent or treat post-thrombotic syndrome. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.