Abstract
Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is quite a common disease that is associated with a risk of progression to the deep venous system and, in some cases, of pulmonary emboliím. However, SVT has traditionally been regarded as a benign disease and its optimal management has been poorly studied.
Recently, fondaparinux, a subcutaneous, selective, indirect Factor Xa inhibitor, has been assessed in the treatment of SVT in the CALISTO study. Fondaparinux was found to be more effective than placebo in reducing the risk of SVT extension or progression to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboliím without a significant increase in the risk of bleeding.
Treatment of SVT with a once-daily, 2.5 mg injection of fondaparinux appears as a simple, effective, and well-tolerated strategy, and has the potential to change the clinical management of SVT.