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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

DVT and PE are common and preventable

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common, with DVT and PE estimated to be the third most prevalent cardiovascular disorders after coronary heart disease and stroke.1 Over 750,000 DVT and PE events are estimated to occur annually in six major EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, UK)2 and over 900,000 events in the US.3 Although venous thromboembolism is both treatable and preventable, 40 percent of people who experience a DVT or PE will have a recurrent event within 10 years of the first event.4

Pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of DVT5, and the leading cause of preventable death in hospital.6 Those who survive may be left with permanent damage to the affected lung and other vital organs, and are at risk of complications such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).7 Undiagnosed venous thromboembolic events pose a further significant burden on healthcare systems and lead to considerable underestimation of prevalence, and ultimately deaths worldwide.2

Oral anticoagulation is the standard prevention treatment for DVT and PE

A number of anticoagulant treatment options are currently recommended to treat and provide protection against DVT and PE. Effective treatment options are available for patients at every stage of the conditions: 

  • Primary prevention of VTE or prevention of a first venous event – Patients at risk of thromboembolism who are undergoing orthopaedic surgery or other types of surgery, and non-surgical at risk patients
     
  • Acute DVT & PE treatment – Patients who experience a venous event rapidly and/or severely that requires immediate treatment to dissolve the thrombosis and restore blood flow to the affected area as quickly as possible
     
  • Prevention of recurrent DVT & PE, or secondary prevention long-term treatment – Patients at risk of recurrent venous events. As the risk of recurrence increases cumulatively over time in patients who are untreated, preventative therapy with an oral anticoagulant is normally recommended for at least 3 months

The availability of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) that – in contrast to traditional vitamin K antagonists – do not require regular blood testing and are not associated with numerous limitations like food-interactions or drug-interactions, may help to advance DVT/PE treatment, better prevent recurrent events and improve clinical outcomes.8,9

Find out more

Visit our product website for more information on the use of dabigatran etexilate for DVT and PE prevention and treatment.

References

  1. Goldhaber SZ. Pulmonary embolism thrombolysis: a clarion call for international collaboration. J Am Coll Cardiol 1992;19:246–247.
  2. Cohen AT, et al. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Europe. Thromb Haemost 2007;98:756-764.
  3. Roger VL. et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2012 update: A report from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2012;125(1):e2-e220.
  4. Prandoni P. et al. The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism after discontinuing anticoagulation in patients with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. A prospective cohort study in 1,626 patients. Haematologica 2007;92(02):199–205.
  5. Heit JA, et al. Predictors of survival after deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:445-453.
  6. BMJ Best Practice. VTE Prophylaxis. Available at: http://bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice/monograph/1087.html
  7. Pengo V. et al. Incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary embolism. N Engl J Med. 2004;350:2257-64
  8. Kearon C and Aki EA. Duration of anticoagulant therapy for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Blood 2014;123:1794–1801.
  9. Camm AJ., et al. Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J. 2010;31(19):2369–429.