Intermediate-risk superficial vein thrombosis

An isolated superficial vein thrombosis is at an intermediate risk of extension to a proximal DVT or PE if it is located more than 3 cm from the deep venous system and is longer than 5 cm.

Anticoagulant therapy can be used for patients with an isolated superficial vein thrombosis that is at an intermediate risk of extension; however, there is debate about the most appropriate dose of anticoagulant. Depending on clinician and patient preference, suitable regimens areStevens, 2021Thrombosis Canada, 2021:

1dalteparin (CrCl 30 mL/min or more) 5000 units to 10 000 units subcutaneously, once daily for 45 days1 dalteparin dalteparin dalteparin

OR

1enoxaparin enoxaparin enoxaparin enoxaparin

CrCl 30 mL/min or more: 40 mg to 80 mg subcutaneously, once daily for 45 days2

CrCl less than 30 mL/min: 20 mg subcutaneously, once daily for 45 days

OR

1fondaparinux (CrCl more than 50 mL/min) 2.5 mg subcutaneously, once daily for 45 days fondaparinux fondaparinux fondaparinux

OR

1rivaroxaban 10 mg orally (CrCl 30 mL/min or more), once daily for 45 days3Beyer-Westendorf, 2017. rivaroxaban rivaroxaban rivaroxaban

If dalteparin or rivaroxaban are required for a patient with a CrCl of less than 30 mL/min, seek advice from a specialist. If fondaparinux is required for a patient with a CrCl of less than 50 mL/min, seek advice from a specialist. Fondaparinux should be used with caution in patients aged 75 years or older, or in those who weigh less than 50 kg, as the clinical trials showed an increased bleeding risk in these groups.

1 At the time of writing, dalteparin is not available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). See the PBS website for current information.Return
2 For treatment of a larger intermediate-risk superficial vein thrombosis, some clinicians use enoxaparin 1 mg/kg subcutaneously daily.Return
3 At the time of writing, rivaroxaban is not available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for superficial vein thrombosis. See the PBS website for current information.Return