BACKGROUND

Real-world data are needed to inform clinical practice with regards to anticoagulation treatment for persons with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

OBJECTIVES

To identify the type and duration of antithrombotic treatment in persons with VTE. Anticoagulation dosage and persistence/adherence were among the secondary objectives.

METHODS

A multicenter, observational, prospective study conducted in Greek adults with VTE with two on-site visits -baseline and at three months- and a telephone follow-up at 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 600 eligible persons were enrolled. The index event was 'PE only' in 50%, 'DVT only' in 40%, and 'DVT+PE' in 10%. Risk factors were categorized as temporary major (21%), temporary minor (37%), and persistent (43%), with active cancer present in 18% of patients. All VTE patients received anticoagulants: 73% received oral anticoagulants (72% DOACs, 1% VKAs) and 70% received parenteral anticoagulants. Treatment was oral only in 30%, parenteral only in 27%, and both in 43%. The most common DOAC was apixaban (47%). Extended anticoagulation (>6 months) was administered to 41% with only 9% (18/198) of those on DOACs receiving a reduced dose. Persistent risk factors predicted extended anticoagulation, while diabetes, COVID-19, and temporary minor risk factors did not. Adherence/persistence rates were similar between DOAC and non-DOAC-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

VTE was mainly treated with a combination of parenteral and oral anticoagulants. DOACs, primarily apixaban, were the most common oral treatments. Forty percent of patients received extended anticoagulation, mostly at standard dosages. Adherence and persistence rates were high for both DOAC and non-DOAC treatments.