Sulodexide (VESSEL®) for the Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Elderly Patients After a First Episode of Venous Thrombembolism
The study aims at optimizing extended management of elderly patients (\> 75 years) with at least one of the known bleeding risk factor, who suffered from first episode of venous thromboembolism of the lower extremity (proximal deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism) (VTE). Patients were randomized to receive three different treatment: Sulodexide 250 mg BIS in die; Sulodexide 500 BID in die or indistinguishable placebo to verify the efficacy and safety of extended treatment for 12 months with Sulodexide (Vessel®) in the secondary prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis / Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE) recurrence.
• Patients with a first event of proximal lower extremity DVT and / or PE, idiopathic or associated with weak or removed risk factors.
• Patients aged ≥75 years at the time of enrolment
• Patients with at least one of the known risk factors of bleeding (APPENDIX 1):
‣ Hypertension
⁃ Renal failure
⁃ Thrombocytopenia
⁃ Diabetes
⁃ Antiplatelet therapy (ASA maximum 140 mg/die)
⁃ Frequent falls (\>2 /years)
⁃ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
⁃ Liver failure
⁃ Previous Stroke
‣ Anemia
‣ Poor anticoagulant control
‣ Alcohol abuse
• Patients of both sexes.
• Patients who at the time of enrolment have already undergone a period of anticoagulant therapy (AT, with any medication) of at least 3 months and the therapy has not been suspended for more than 30 days.
• Patients with no other AT indications.
• Patients capable and able to provide informed consent