The role of anticoagulation in pylephlebitis: a retrospective examination of characteristics and outcomes

AbstractPylephlebitis, or suppurative thrombophlebitis of the portal vein, typically occurs in the context of an intraabdominal infection or abdominal sepsis. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment. The role of anticoagulation in the management of pylephlebitis is controversial, and data regarding its impact on outcomes is limited. The records of 67 consecutive patients with pylephlebitis treated at our institution over a 19  year period were retrospectively reviewed. Data was gathered regarding their baseline characteristics, presentations, management, and outcomes. Patients who did and did not receive anticoagulation were compared. Outcomes of interest included survival, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) resolution, devel opment of chronic symptomatic portal hypertension, and major bleeding. Forty-seven patients received anticoagulation and 20 did not. The anticoagulated and non-anticoagulated groups did not differ significantly with respect to potential covariates or confounders. Anticoagulated patients had signific antly higher rates of PVT resolution than non-anticoagulated patients (58% vs. 21%, p = 0.0201). This translated to lower rates of future chronic portal hypertensive symptoms among anticoagulated patients (11% vs. 47%, p = 0.0034). Anticoagulated patients had a trend toward improved survival however this improvement was not significant on multivariable analysis. There was no significant difference in rates of major bleeding between groups. Thrombophilia ...
Source: Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis - Category: Hematology Source Type: research