July 21, 2015 "” Two companion papers published in Academic Emergency Medicine address the question of when it is appropriate to discharge patients experiencing a potentially fatal blood clot. The studies particularly focus on patients presenting with low-risk deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
The first study examined whether low-risk patients with DVT or PE could be prescribed treatment with the oral anticoagulant Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and be immediately discharged to complete treatment at home. It found that none of the 106 low-risk patients prescribed Xarelto had recurrent DVT or PE while on therapy, and no major or clinically relevant bleeding events were observed. Three patients had DVT recurrence only after stopping treatment with Xarelto.
The second study found that low-risk patients with DVT or PE who were prescribed Xarelto had significantly lower medical costs than low-risk patients with DVT or PE who were admitted and given traditional treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and warfarin.
Both studies build on prior research showing favorable outcomes and cost savings when using Xarelto in this patient population.
For more information: www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 14, 2024 
