Predictors of Post-Thrombotic Ulcer after Acute DVT: The RIETE Registry

Thromb Haemost. 2018 Feb;118(2):320-328. doi: 10.1160/TH17-08-0598. Epub 2018 Jan 29.

Abstract

In patients with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs, venous ulcer is the most debilitating and end-stage clinical expression of the post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). To date, risk factors for PTS-related ulcer in DVT patients have not been identified.We used the international observational RIETE registry to assess the evolution of PTS signs and symptoms during a 3-year follow-up period and to identify independent predictors of PTS ulcer at 1 year in patients with acute DVT.Among 1,866 eligible patients, cumulative rates of PTS ulcer at 1, 2 and 3 years were 2.7% (n = 50), 4.3% (n = 54) and 7.1% (n = 60), respectively. The proportion of patients with PTS symptoms at 1, 2 or 3 years remained stable (≈40%), while the proportion of patients with PTS signs increased slightly over time (from 49 to 53%). Prior history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (odds ratio [OR] = 5.5 [2.8-10.9]), diabetes (OR = 2.3 [1.1-4.7]), pre-existing leg varicosities (OR = 3.2 [1.7-6.1]) and male sex (OR = 2.5 [1.3-5.1]) independently increased the risk of PTS ulcer at 1 year. Obesity also increased the risk but failed to reach statistical significance (OR = 1.8 [0.9-3.3]). DVT treatment characteristics (duration or drug) did not influence the risk.Our results evidence that after acute DVT, pre-existing leg varicosities, prior venous thromboembolism, diabetes and male gender independently increased the risk for PTS ulcer. This suggests that clinicians should consider strategies aimed to prevent ulcers in high-risk DVT patients, such as preventing VTE recurrence, use of stockings in those with pre-existing venous insufficiency, careful monitoring of diabetic patients and encouraging weight loss in obese patients.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diabetes Complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications
  • Odds Ratio
  • Postphlebitic Syndrome / complications*
  • Postphlebitic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Postthrombotic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Registries
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulcer / diagnosis
  • Ulcer / etiology
  • Varicose Veins / complications
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications*
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis