A panel of experts (InterEPID) has released a new Canadian guideline for the diagnosis and management of blood clots, specifically iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in the groin and thigh. The guideline, published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), was developed by a team of haematologists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, emergency department physicians and primary care physicians.

"We think this clinical practice guideline fills an important gap in knowledge for care providers by providing a practical approach to a common problem that can have serious implications for patients," says Dr. David Liu, an interventional radiologist at Vancouver General Hospital and lead author of the INTERdisciplinary Expert Panel on Iliofemoral DVT (InterEPID). "Complications associated with DVT can occur years after the presentation of DVT if it is not managed at onset. DVT is a life-threatening condition in the short term, with long-term implications to the patient and (significant downstream cost to) society if not managed properly."

The panel has created a summary of recommendations and a decision tool to help physicians. Highlights include the following:

  • Hospitals must have the tools to diagnose and determine the severity of iliofemoral DVT.
  • Anticoagulants are recommended for all patients with iliofemoral DVT, but the type and length of treatment will vary according to presentation.
  • For patients not able to take anticoagulants, use of inferior vena cava filters is recommended with regular follow-up; they should be removed as soon as possible.
  • Immediate intervention with clot removal is recommended in patients with phlegmasia cerulea dolens to reduce the associated risks of amputation and death.
  • Clot removal intervention can also be considered for patients who are at low risk of bleeding to minimise possible long-term complications from iliofemoral DVT that may decrease quality of life (post-thrombotic syndrome).
  • To manage post-thrombotic syndrome, the use of compression stockings is recommended, although the evidence is weak for effectiveness.
  • Patient follow-up by the primary care physician is important.

"The InterEPID guideline assists in determining which patients may benefit from early triage and transfer to tertiary care institutions for clot removal and reduction, a critical aspect in both the short-term and long-term management of this condition," co-author Dr. Mark Baerlocher explains.

Iliofemoral DVT affects over 35,000 Canadians a year, with an estimated 60,000 admissions to hospital per year.

Source and image credit: Canadian Medical Association Journal

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References:

Liu D, Baerlocher M et al. (2015) Diagnosis and management of iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis: clinical practice guideline. CMAJ September 28, 2015. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.141614



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healthmanagement, Canada, deep vein thrombosis, DVT, blood clots, anticoagulants A panel of experts (InterEPID) has released a new Canadian guideline for the diagnosis and management of blood clots, specifically iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in the groin and thigh.