A recently performed international survey of expert opinion and current practice revealed divergent expert recommendations and very heterogeneous management approach in clinical practice with regard to anticoagulation choice, use of HC and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding during anticoagulant treatment of VTE. Together with the fact that up to 70% of female patients with childbearing potential treated with anticoagulants may suffer from abnormal menstrual bleeding with a severe negative impact on quality of life, this is a compelling argument to initiate high quality observational studies to better quantify the magnitude of the problem and to identify unmet clinical needs. This study will do so and at the same time provide solid ground for future prospective management trials aimed at establishing preventive and/or treatment strategies for VTE patients with anticoagulant-associated abnormal menstrual bleeding.
This study is an international, multicenter, academically sponsored, observational study, that focusses on fertile female patients with proven symptomatic deep vein thrombosis of the legs (DVT) or acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The incidence and severity of abnormal menstrual bleeding will be assessed for each menstrual period and correlated to quality of life. Causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding other than active anticoagulant treatment will be assessed. Treatment of abnormal menstrual bleeding (all within routine clinical care) will be evaluated for efficacy and safety.