Outpatient Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Acute Phase

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is still a major challenge in clinical medicine involving specialists in all professional spheres. In-hospital treatment of VTE is a traditional option. However, the feasibility of outpatient treatment of VTE has been investigated since the 1990s. The modern European clinical guidelines advocate for outpatient care in patients meeting specific criteria. Approximately 30—55% of VTE patients, including those with low-risk pulmonary embolism, may be discharged after a brief hospitalization (<24 hours) or managed outside of the hospital. Outpatient VTE management offers several benefits, such as lower risk of complications associated with hospital-stay, potential cost savings for healthcare system and higher quality of life with earlier return to physical and professional activities. Despite these advantages, the majority of patients diagnosed with VTE admit to the hospitals. We reviewed modern approaches to VTE treatment, in particular deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and explores indications for outpatient management of patients with these diseases. We provide an overview of relevant literature, researches and international guidelines.