Outcomes with catheter-directed thrombolysis compared with anticoagulation alone in patients with acute deep venous thrombosis

Abstract

Objective: The authors aimed to investigate the benefits and risks of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Background: The role of CDT in the management of DVT is evolving. Data on CDT versus anticoagulation alone in acute DVT is sparse. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies that compared CDT to anticoagulation alone in patients with acute DVT. Results: We included 11 studies (four randomized control trials [RCTs] and seven observational studies) with a total of 8,737 patients. During hospital stay, patients who received CDT had higher odds of major bleeding (2.5% vs. 1.6%; OR 1.46, 95% CI [1.07, 1.98], p =.02), blood transfusion (10.8% vs. 6.2%; OR 1.8, 95% CI [1.52, 2.13], p