Prevention and treatment of the post‐thrombotic syndrome

Abstract

Essentials

• Post thrombotic syndrome ( PTS) is a complication of deep vein thrombosis ( DVT) with limited treatment options.

• Uniformity of the diagnostic strategy and the use of risk prediction models might improve treatment outcomes.

• Extending knowledge on the pathophysiology and improving therapeutic options is paramount for progress.

• PTS management should evolve to a multimodal approach with treatment tailored to individual patients' needs.

Post thrombotic syndrome ( PTS) is a common chronic complication of deep vein thrombosis of the leg ( DVT). Treatment options are limited therefore emphasis is placed on its prevention. Several risk factors have been recognized, but were so far not used for risk stratification or translation into prediction models. Early interventions did not yet result in more successful preventive treatment strategies; for the acute phase of DVT there is equipoise on the value of elastic compression, as well as on catheter directed thrombolysis. There are no drugs specifically targeted at PTS prevention. The use of anticoagulant medication such as direct oral anticoagulants ( DOACs) might decrease PTS incidence, but this needs to be corroborated. Both research into more effective treatment options as well as future PTS management may benefit from a uniform diagnostic strategy and the use of prediction rules to better allocate treatment and thereby increase treatment efficacy.