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DVT Prevention in Stroke

  • Stroke (H Diener, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to discuss the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in stroke patients. We discuss use of oral anticoagulation and other interventions for the prevention of VTE. A new class of medications, non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), have been successfully trialed for the prevention of VTE. We review the data and guidance statements for VTE prevention.

Recent Findings

Warfarin and vitamin K antagonist drugs have been the mainstay of VTE prevention for decades. More recently, NOACs have become available for both stroke and systemic embolism prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and for VTE treatment or prevention. NOACs have been shown to be at least noninferior for VTE prevention and treatment when compared with warfarin, and have a good safety profile. Other approaches include use of graduated compression stockings, intermittent compression stockings, inferior vena cava filters, and heparins.

Summary

Selection of the appropriate VTE prophylaxis in stroke patients is important to reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences, 220 Cherry Street SE, Room H 3037, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA

    Christopher Goshgarian & Philip B. Gorelick

  2. Translational Science & Molecular Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Philip B. Gorelick

Authors
  1. Christopher Goshgarian
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher Goshgarian.

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Conflict of Interest

Christopher Goshgarian declares he has no potential conflicts of interest. Philip B. Gorelick reports speaking for Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer on stroke and venous thromboembolism prevention, and speaks at the Cardiometabolic Health Congress on stroke and deep vein thrombosis prevention.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Stroke

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Goshgarian, C., Gorelick, P.B. DVT Prevention in Stroke. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 17, 81 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-017-0782-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-017-0782-6

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