Abstract

Central venous catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a complication seen in patients requiring long-term intravenous access. Treatment of CRT is not standardized and international guidelines for treatment are based on extrapolation of evidence from lower extremity thrombosis. We performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate if duration of anticoagulation affects the risk of recurrent venous thrombosis, post-thrombotic syndrome, or major hemorrhage. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, and ACP Journal club for studies of CRT treated with anticoagulation. Of 1648 titles and abstracts, 23 studies met our inclusion criteria. No randomized trials were identified. Duration of anticoagulation varied from 8days to more than 6months. Outcomes of patients with upper extremity thrombosis due to CRT or other etiologies were often combined. The incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome varied between 0 and 75% depending on the definition used. Seven percent of patients with upper extremity thrombosis treated with anticoagulation experienced recurrent deep vein thrombosis and 2.8% experienced pulmonary embolism. Major hemorrhage was reported in 2.8–4.9% of anticoagulated patients. Prospective studies evaluating the optimal duration of anticoagulation in patients with CRT are needed.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.