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Aspirin – Does it Prevent DVT and PE?
To some degree it does, but it is by far not as effective as warfarin or other anticoagulants. However, a very noteworthy study was presented today
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Progestin-only Contraceptives and Blood Clots
Background It is well known that combination contraceptives (containing estrogens AND progestins) increase the risk for blood clots (venous thromboembolism = VTE). Relatively few data, however, have been published on progestin-only contraceptives, so that until recently it has not been clear whether they increase the risk for VTE or not.
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Xarelto® – Good News
Summary Good news. A major study published in December 2010 in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) shows that the new oral “blood thinner” Xarelto® (=Rivaroxaban) is (a) as safe and effective as warfarin in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and (b) is quite effective in preventing recurrent blood clots (DVT…
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May-Thurner Syndrome
Summary Some people have a narrowing of their big left pelvic vein (= left common iliac vein) that can put them at risk for a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis = DVT) in that area and in the left leg. The narrowing is due to pressure onto the vein by the overlying big pelvic artery…
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Pradaxa Approval – Great News!
The new oral anticoagulant Pradaxa® (Dabigatran) was approved by the FDA on October 20th, 2010 [ref 1,2]. As of Feb 3rd, 2012, Pradaxa® is only FDA approved for use in patients with atrial fibrillation. It is not approved yet for patients with DVT and PE.
