Duration of anticoagulants in acute or recurrent venous thromboembolism

While the most recent trend in secondary prophylaxis after venous thromboembolism has been toward a prolonged duration, it has become obvious that individualization according to risk factors is crucial. Subgroup analyses in a long-term follow-up of a previous trial, as well as new trials on patients with idiopathic thromboembolism, have now improved our base of evidence. Many studies on the influence of biochemical factors in the risk of recurrence have also been published recently. This review should be helpful in-the individual decision on how to tailor the duration of anticoagulation.