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IVC filter reduced PE mortality, increased VTE recurrence
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The insertion of inferior vena cava filters reduced the risk for pulmonary embolism-associated mortality compared with anticoagulant therapy in patients with pulmonary embolism who were at significant risk for bleeding, according to results of a prospective cohort study.
However, inferior vena cava (IVC) insertion increased the risk for recurrent VTE in this patient population.
The effectiveness of IVC filters in patients with acute symptomatic VTE who are at significant risk for bleeding is unclear, according to researchers.
The investigators conducted the study to assess the association between IVC filter insertion and all-cause mortality, PE-associated mortality and VTE rates for 30 days following treatment initiation.
The analysis included 344 patients who underwent IVC filter insertion and 344 patients who were treated without a filter.
Researchers observed a lower rate of PE-associated mortality (1.7% vs. 4.9%; P=.03) and a nonsignificant trend toward lower risk for all-cause mortality (6.6% vs. 10.2%; P=0.12) among patients underwent filter insertion.
Results showed the risk for recurrent VTE was higher among those in the IVC group (6.1% vs. 0.6%; P>.001).
The researchers emphasized limitations related to the study design do not imply a causal relationship between IVC filter insertion and patient outcomes.
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of the researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.
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