Activity Content
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprised of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, remains a threat to patient safety. Clinical evidence supporting the benefits of thromboprophylaxis has lead to the development and publication of consensus statement guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians. Despite the widespread dissemination of these guidelines, adherence in clinical practice still requires improvement. Pharmacists can play a major role in filling these practice gaps. Risk factor assessment is critical in identifying those patients that will benefit from either pharmacologic or mechanical interventions. Unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, a pentasaccharide, and oral vitamin K antagonists can be used for both VTE prophylaxis and treatment. With a predictable anticoagulation profile and ease of administration, both low molecular weight heparins and the pentasaccharide have facilitated home VTE management. While these agents cannot completely eliminate VTE events, they can significantly reduce VTE incidence and improve long term patient outcomes.
