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. 2012 Dec 19;8(6):957–969. doi: 10.5114/aoms.2012.32402

Table VII.

Duration of use of long-term anticoagulation (adapted from [49])

Variable Recommended duration of treatment Level of recommendation
An episode of VTE secondary to a transient risk factor Continue anticoagulation with warfarin for 3 months Grade 1A
An episode of VTE associated with concurrent cancer Continue anticoagulation with LWMH for 3-6 months Grade 1A
Continue subsequent anticoagulation with warfarin or LMWH indefinitely or until cancer is resolved Grade 1C
First episode of unprovoked Continue anticoagulation with VKA for 3 months Grade 1A
VTE After first 3 months, continue anticoagulation with warfarin if risk-benefit ratio is favorable: Grade 1A
• Low risk for bleeding
• Reliable follow-up for INR monitoring
Second episode of unprovoked VTE Indefinite Grade 1C