What follow-up care is recommended for patients diagnosed with DVT to prevent recurrence?

Follow-up care for patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) includes assessing the need for continued anticoagulation treatment beyond 3 months, based on individual risk factors and clinical course ².

It is recommended to discuss the benefits and risks of continuing, stopping, or changing anticoagulation with the patient, especially after 3 months of treatment ².

If anticoagulation is to be continued, long-term anticoagulation should be considered for unprovoked DVT, with shared decision-making about the type and duration of therapy ².

Patients should be advised about the signs and symptoms of recurrence and when to seek medical help, and provided with written information and contact details for thrombosis specialists ².

In cases where anticoagulation is stopped, patients should be informed about the risk of recurrence and monitored for symptoms, with follow-up plans tailored to their individual risk profile ².