How I treat postthrombotic syndrome

Abstract

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that reduces quality of life and has important socioeconomic consequences. More than one-third of patients with DVT will develop PTS, and 5% to 10% of patients will develop severe PTS, which may manifest as venous ulceration. The principal risk factors for PTS are persistent leg symptoms 1 month after the acute episode of DVT, extensive DVT, recurrent ipsilateral DVT, obesity, and older age. Daily use of elastic compression stockings (ECSs) for 2 years after proximal DVT appears to reduce the risk of PTS; however, there is uncertainty about optimal duration of use and compression strength of ECSs and the magnitude of their effect. The cornerstone of managing PTS is compression therapy, primarily using ECSs. Venoactive medications such as aescin and rutoside may provide short-term relief of PTS symptoms. The likelihood of developing PTS after DVT should be discussed with patients, and symptoms and signs of PTS should be monitored during clinical follow-up. Further studies to elucidate the pathophysiology of PTS, to identify clinical and biologic risk factors, and to test new preventive and therapeutic approaches to PTS are needed to ultimately improve the long-term prognosis of patients with DVT.