Thrombosis research
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Thrombosis research · Feb 2011
ReviewEpidemiology of the contraceptive pill and venous thromboembolism.
Current users of combined oral contraceptives have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. The risk appears to be higher during the first year of use and disappears rapidly once oral contraception is stopped. There is a strong interaction between hereditary defects of coagulation, combined oral contraceptive use and venous thromboembolism. ⋯ Even if real, the absolute difference in risk between products is small, because the background incidence of venous thromboembolism in young women is low. All currently available combined oral contraceptives are safe. Progestogen-only oral contraceptives are not associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism.
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More than one-third of women with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) will develop the postthrombotic syndrome (PTS), and 5-10% develop severe PTS, which can manifest as venous ulcers. Typical features of PTS include chronic pain, swelling, heaviness, edema and skin changes in the affected limb. The main risk factors for PTS are persistent leg symptoms one month after acute DVT, anatomically extensive DVT, recurrent ipsilateral DVT, obesity and older age. ⋯ The cornerstone of managing PTS is compression therapy, primarily using ECS. Venoactive medications such as aescin and rutosides may provide short term relief of PTS symptoms. Further studies to elucidate the pathophysiology of PTS, to identify clinical and biological risk factors and to test new preventive and therapeutic approaches to PTS are needed.