Thigh-length versus below-knee compression elastic stockings for prevention of the postthrombotic syndrome in patients with proximal-venous thrombosis: a randomized trial

Although below-knee compression elastic stockings (CES) are effective for the prevention of the postthrombotic syndrome (PTS), a substantial number of patients with deep venous thrombosis still develop PTS. In the present open-label, randomized clinical trial, we compared thigh-length with below-knee CES for the prevention of PTS. A total of 267 patients with the first episode of proximal deep venous thrombosis were randomized to wear either thigh-length or below-knee CES for 2 years. After 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, they were assessed for PTS manifestations according to the Villalta scale. PTS developed in 44 (32.6%) of the 135 patients randomized to thigh-length CES and in 47 (35.6%) of the 132 allocated to below-knee CES, for an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.62-1.41). Severe PTS developed in 3 patients in each group. CES-related side effects developed in 55 (40.7%) of the 135 patients allocated to thigh-length CES and in 36 (27.3%) of those randomized to the below-knee group (P = .017), and led to premature discontinuation of their use in 29 (21.5%) and 18 (13.6%) patients, respectively. We conclude that thigh-length CES do not offer a better protection against PTS than below-knee CES and are less well tolerated.     

Post-thrombotic syndrome in children: a systematic review of frequency of occurrence, validity of outcome measures, and prognostic factors

Background

Post-thrombotic syndrome is a manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency following deep venous thrombosis. This systematic review was conducted to critically evaluate pediatric evidence on frequency of occurrence, validity of outcome measures, and prognostic indicators of post-thrombotic syndrome.

Design and Methods

A comprehensive literature search of original reports revealed 19 eligible studies, totaling 977 patients with upper/lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Calculated weighted mean frequency of post-thrombotic syndrome was 26% (95% confidence interval: 23–28%) overall, and differed significantly by prospective/non-prospective analysis and use/non-use of a standardized outcome measure.

Results

Standardized post-thrombotic syndrome outcome measures included an adaptation of the Villalta scale, the Clinical-Etiologic-Anatomic-Pathologic classification, and the Manco-Johnson instrument. Data on validity were reported only for the Manco-Johnson instrument. No publications on post-thrombotic syndrome-related quality of life outcomes were identified. Candidate prognostic factors for post-thrombotic syndrome in prospective studies included use/non-use of thrombolysis and plasma levels of factor VIII activity and D-dimer.

Conclusions

Given that affected children must endure chronic sequelae for many decades, it is imperative that future collaborative pediatric prospective cohort studies and trials assess as key objectives and outcomes the incidence, severity, prognostic indicators, and health impact of post-thrombotic syndrome, using validated measures.     

The importance of the costoclavicular space in upper limb primary deep vein thrombosis,a study with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique enhanced by a blood pool agent

BackgroundPrimary upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) can be divided into idiopathic and effort thrombosis. Anatomical factors probably play an important role in effort thrombosis, whereas the cause remains mostly unknown in idiopathic thrombosis.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to examine the anatomy of the subclavian region and evaluate how these factors contribute to primary UEDVT. The secondary objective was to investigate if venous compression correlates with post thrombotic syndrome (PTS).Patients and methodsFifteen patients and 15 controls were enrolled in the study. The subclavian region (the costoclavicular distance and vessel area) was examined by MRI enhanced by a blood-pool contrast agent (Vasovist). The MRI was performed in two arm positions: alongside and elevated. PTS and disability were quantified with the modified Villalta score and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) test.ResultsThe costoclavicular distance was significantly narrower in the UEDVT patients with the arms alongside the body but there was a significant difference only in the left arm with the arms elevated. Area of the subclavian vein: When comparing the patients non-thrombotic arm with the controls, there was a significant difference only when the arms in the supine position. Disability: There was a high correlation between DASH, Villalta and VAS but no correlation between the MRI measurement and patient's symptoms or the Villalta Score.ConclusionOur results suggest that primary UEDVT is dependent on the subclavian anatomy and area of vena subclavia.     

Effect of postthrombotic syndrome on health-related quality of life after deep venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND: Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis, yet its impact on health-related quality of life has not been well characterized. We compared generic and venous disease-specific quality of life in patients with and without PTS, and assessed whether quality of life correlated with severity of PTS. METHODS: Subjects with previous deep venous thrombosis were participants in a study of the effects of exercise after deep venous thrombosis. We ascertained PTS and its severity using a validated clinical scale. Subjects completed generic (the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and disease-specific (Venous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study quality-of-life questionnaire [VEINES-QOL] and its validated subscale of 10 items on venous symptoms [VEINES-Sym]) quality-of-life measures. Age- and sex-adjusted mean quality-of-life scores were compared in patients with and without PTS, and by severity of PTS. RESULTS: Of the 41 subjects (mean age, 51.2 years), 19 (46%) had PTS. Subjects with PTS had significantly worse disease-specific quality-of-life scores than those without PTS (mean +/- SD VEINES-QOL score, 44.5 +/- 11.6 vs 54.8 +/- 5.4, respectively [P<.001]; mean +/- SD VEINES-Sym score, 45.6 +/- 11.4 vs 54.1 +/- 6.7, respectively [P =.003]), which worsened significantly with increasing severity of PTS. We found no differences in generic quality-of-life scores between subject groups. CONCLUSIONS: Postthrombotic syndrome has a significant impact on disease-specific quality of life that may not be captured by generic quality-of-life measures. Patient-based quality-of-life measures correlated well with physician-assessed PTS. Further research is indicated to assess the value of including quality of life as a routine measure of outcome in clinical studies of patients with deep venous thrombosis and PTS.     

External validation of Villalta score in high-middle income country patients with deep vein thrombosis

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a late complication that does not have a cure yet, with a prevalence estimated between 20 to 75%, associated with previous deep vein thrombosis event. Although the Villalta score (VS) is the gold-standard clinical tool for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of PTS, there are currently no VS intra-rater agreement established and no validation studies for VS’ application into Brazilian Portuguese. We sought to translate and validate VS reliability systematically; and, secondarily, to compare the ultrasound findings with the severity of PTS.We systematically translated the original VS into Brazilian Portuguese (BP). Fifty participants who underwent two outpatient visits were evaluated using the translated VS. We assessed its intra-rater and inter-rater agreement and compared BP VS versus CEAP clinical component (CEAP C), and the clinical PTS severity versus the duplex ultrasound (DUS) findings. The study and its report followed the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies.The intra-rater evaluation of VS grades had a simple Kappa coefficient of 0.73, and the simple Kappa coefficient inter-rater for VS grades was 0.67. When VS was compared to CEAP C, it established a remarkably high correlation over 0.9. There was difference among VS values compared to DUS initial deep vein thrombosis territory, with femoropopliteal showing higher values than distal veins. Higher VS values were correlated to DUS venous recanalization and reflux.There was a substantial inter-rater and intra-rater agreement when the BP VS was applied; and when compared to CEAP C, VS showed a high correlation. When VS grading was compared to DUS characteristics, there were significant statistical and clinical correlation, with presence of reflux and recanalization showing higher VS values. This external VS validation also changes the clinical practice allowing the VS use in a different population and establishes the VS intra-rater agreement.     

Upper limb deep venous thrombosis

Deep venous thrombosis of the upper limb has become recently more common because of the increasing use of central venous catheters. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult. Main causes are pacemaker and central venous catheter related thrombosis. The thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare cause and requires a multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. A systematic research of a thrombophilic disorder is not recommended because of the weak therapeutic impact. Duration of anticoagulation is similar to lower limb deep venous thrombosis despite a lower rate of recurrence. Therapeutic alternatives recently developed include thrombolysis, angioplasty and vein stenting. To date, no randomized controlled studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of the various treatments that have been proposed for upper limb deep venous thrombosis.     

Demonstration of the cause of acute renal failure in a case of IgD multiple myeloma

In adults diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), challenges remain in the management of the acute event whilst remaining alert to long‐term morbidity. The addition of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) to the pharmacopoeia represents the first of a number of recent advancements in the management of DVT. Worldwide, uptake of these agents has been avid, although drug selection, reversal and chronic treatment effects continue to be controversial areas. Multi‐centre studies to evaluate the impact of NOACs on long‐term outcomes, including thrombosis recurrence and post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS), are ongoing. Validation of tools capable of predicting PTS would enable patient selection for early aggressive intervention, such as local thrombolysis. Such interventional strategies are gaining momentum as initial approaches and would benefit from large randomized controlled trials.     

The rationale and evidence for the treatment of lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis with thrombolytic agents

This article presents the rationale and evidence for the treatment of lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with thrombolytic agents. DVT is a common condition that has both acute and chronic complications. Standard treatment including anticoagulation therapy and compression stockings may not be entirely adequate, because a significant proportion of patients eventually develop severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Thrombolytic agents offer a potential advantage because they may reduce residual vein stenosis and valve damage. The authors performed a systematic review of published randomized trials evaluating thrombolytic agents for DVT. The authors determined that thrombolysis therapy results in greater lysis and complication rates than does anticoagulation alone. The authors also found that PTS incidence is lower in patients treated with thrombolytics. However, several methodological flaws limit the conclusions with respect to reduction in PTS. Therefore, the authors conclude that although the lysis rate is greater for thrombolytic agents, they cannot be recommended routinely for DVT treatment.     

Incidence, risk factors and skin manifestations of post-thrombotic syndrome: a four-year follow-up of patients included in the EDITH study

Purpose

Despite appropriate therapy 10 to 100% of patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs will develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PTS in the EDITH cohort and to estimate the association between initial patients’ characteristics and the risk of development of PTS.

Methods

One hundred and eighty patients included in the EDITH study for a first event of DVT of the lower limbs without clinical signs of venous insufficiency were recalled 4 years after their initial thrombotic event. PTS was diagnosed according to the Villalta score.

Results

Ninety-five patients (45 men, mean age 50.7 ± 16.9 years) were evaluated for PTS. Among them, 28.4% (95% CI 19.3–37.5) developed PTS but none had severe PTS. The most frequent clinical signs of PTS were varicose veins (59%), corona phlebectatica (48%), swelling leg (30%) and pigmented dermatitis (26%). No single risk factor was associated with PTS development (age, sex, BMI thrombophilia, etiology, localization, recurrence, symptomatic DVT and familial history of DVT).

Conclusion

PTS is a frequent disease. However, lack of uniformity of diagnosis criteria in the different studies does not make possible the estimation of PTS risk factors.     

Effects of defibrotide in patients with chronic deep insufficiency. The PROVEDIS study.

AIM: In the present study the effect of defibrotide, an antithrombotic and profibrinolytic agent, was investigated in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) due to deep vein obstruction and/or reflux (chronic deep vein insufficiency, CDVI). METHODS: The study was a multicenter, randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial in which only patients with CDVI confirmed by ultrasound were enrolled. All patients were treated with adequate elastic compression and randomized to receive either oral defibrotide (800 mg/die) or matching placebo for 1 year. Patients with active or previous leg ulcer were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 288 patients were randomized and 159 completed the study. At baseline ultrasound investigation, obstructive changes were found in 2/3 of all patients thus ascertaining a post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The primary endpoint, ankle circumference, was significantly reduced under defibrotide from day 120 throughout 360. Scores for pain and edema were improved. The number of episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis was significantly lower under defibrotide (n=2) than under placebo (n=10). The majority of these events occurred in the subset of patients with documented PTS. CONCLUSION: Treatment with defibrotide in addition to elastic compression in patients with objectively assessed CDVI, mostly due to PTS, resulted in clinical benefits and prevented thrombotic complications harmful to the limb conditions.     

Advanced management of acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis: emergency department and beyond

Recent attention to the increasing incidence of venous thromboembolism has included a call to action from the surgeon general and new guidelines from various specialty organizations. The standard of care for treatment of deep venous thrombosis in the emergency department (ED), supported by the 2008 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines, involves initiation of anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin, pentasaccharide, or unfractionated heparin. For selected appropriate patients with extensive acute proximal deep venous thrombosis, the ACCP guidelines now recommend thrombolysis in addition to anticoagulation to reduce not only the risk of pulmonary embolism but also the risk of subsequent postthrombotic syndrome and recurrent deep venous thrombosis. Postthrombotic syndrome is a potentially debilitating chronic cluster of lower-extremity symptoms occurring in 20% to 50% of deep venous thrombosis patients subsequent to the acute insult, sometimes not until years later. A strategy of early thrombus burden reduction or frank removal might reduce the incidence of postthrombotic syndrome, as per natural history studies, venous thrombectomy data, observations after systemic and catheter-directed thrombolysis, and the still-limited number of randomized trials of catheter-directed thrombolysis (with anticoagulation) versus anticoagulation alone. Contemporary invasive (endovascular) treatments mitigate the drawbacks historically associated with thrombolytic approaches by means of intrathrombus delivery of drugs with greater fibrin specificity and lower allergenicity, followed by mechanical dispersion to accelerate lysis and then aspiration of remaining drug and clot debris. With a 2016 target completion date, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute--sponsored Acute Venous Thrombosis: Thrombus Removal With Adjunctive Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis trial is comparing the safety and efficacy, in terms of both deep venous thrombosis and postthrombotic syndrome parameters, of the most evolved pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis devices versus standard anticoagulation therapy alone. This article reviews the grounds for use of adjunctive thrombolysis in patients with acute proximal deep venous thrombosis and begins to identify types of deep venous thrombosis patients encountered in the ED who might benefit most from multidisciplinary consideration of early referral for possible endovascular therapy.     

Direct oral anticoagulants in rare venous thrombosis

The direct inhibitors of thrombin (dabigatran) or factor Xa (rivaroxaban, apixaban) are currently used in patients with venous thrombosis of the lower or upper limbs or with pulmonary embolism. However, the use of these direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in subjects with abdominal or cerebral venous thrombosis is more contentious due to the paucity of available data. In a few case reports and small series of patients hitherto published, the DOACs showed good efficacy and safety, supporting an extension of their use to these rare conditions. Thus, prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials have been set up. In this article, we review the published clinical experience with DOACs in rare venous thrombosis, and provide updated information on ongoing clinical trials.     

Homocysteine in the prevention of ischemic heart disease, stroke and venous thromboembolism: therapeutic target or just another distraction?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Homocysteine has been proposed as a potentially modifiable risk factor for arterial and venous vascular disease. This notion is supported by a large body of literature derived from observations in patients with rare inborn errors of metabolism associated with homocystinuria, experimental studies, which show that homocysteine promotes atherogenesis and thrombosis and epidemiological studies, which in general suggest a graded and independent relationship between homocysteine and atherothrombotic vascular risk. RECENT FINDINGS: The current review briefly summarizes observational studies with emphasis on new meta-analyses linking homocysteine to ischemic heart disease, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. These data support weak associations between homocysteine and vascular risk. A number of recent large randomized controlled trials failed to demonstrate benefit for homocysteine lowering with B vitamin supplements in the prevention of cardiovascular events and venous thrombosis. These studies, however, may have been insufficiently powered to detect modest but clinically important treatment benefits. Therefore, completion of ongoing large randomized trials is essential. SUMMARY: At present, the status of homocysteine as a target for intervention in the prevention of atherothrombotic arterial and venous disease is uncertain. Current evidence does not support the use of B vitamin supplements to reduce vascular risk. Ongoing large randomized trials will provide further clarity on this subject.     

Deep venous thrombosis screening in patients with inherited bleeding disorders and central venous catheters

Summary. Children with inherited bleeding disorders often require central venous catheters (CVCs). Although CVCs are known to be complicated by deep venous thrombosis (DVT), little is known about the timeline of DVT development or risk of post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS). The aim of this study was to determine the timeline and confirm the incidence of thrombosis in patients with bleeding disorders who have CVCs. In 2002, we instituted a screening programme to monitor for CVC‐related complications in children with haemophilia and von Willebrand disease. This is a retrospective review of this cohort. All children with CVC followed up between 1 January 2000 and 1 June 2009 were evaluated for DVT every 24 months with contrast venography and Doppler sonography. An institutional PTS severity scale was utilized at each visit. Thirty‐six patients had 37 CVCs placed. Thirty patients had imaging studies, with DVT observed in 14 (47%). Most cases of DVT were diagnosed at the first venogram (median CVC duration 26 months). There were no abnormal ultrasound results. Sixteen patients (44%) had clinical findings consistent with PTS, including 10 (71%) with an abnormal venogram. Dilated chest wall veins appeared to be more strongly associated with underlying DVT (positive predictive value of 0.8) than arm circumference discrepancy. Successful transition to use of peripheral veins occurred at a median of 11 months after abnormal venograms. CVC‐related DVT is common in children with inherited bleeding disorders and likely occurs earlier than previously thought. Clinical signs of PTS are also common, but long‐term sequelae and severity of PTS are not known.     

Interventional approaches to deep vein thrombosis

The last decade has seen increased use of aggressive, catheter-based methods of treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this article, we outline the risks, benefits, and uncertainties surrounding endovascular DVT therapies, describe clinical situations in which endovascular treatment options should reasonably be considered, and update the reader on new outcome data that pertains to catheter-based DVT interventions. Endovascular thrombolytic therapy is reasonable to perform for selected patients with DVT causing acute limb-threatening circulatory compromise, acute inferior vena cava occlusion, or acute iliofemoral DVT for the purposes of limb salvage and relief of presenting DVT symptoms, and appears likely to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients with proximal DVT. A multicenter randomized trial, the ATTRACT Study, is currently underway in the United States to determine whether pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT) is sufficiently safe and effective to be recommended for routine use in proximal DVT patients. Selected patients with established moderate-to-severe PTS in association with an occluded iliac vein or a refluxing saphenous vein may also be amenable to endovascular intervention to reduce venous hypertension, alleviate symptoms, and improve limb function and quality of life. Pending the results of further studies, an individualized approach to patient selection for interventional DVT therapies is recommended.     

Venous thrombosis of the upper extremities

Opinion statement The goals of treating patients with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) are to relieve acute symptoms of venous occlusion, prevent pulmonary embolism, reduce the likelihood of recurrent thrombosis, and avoid the development of postphlebitic syndrome. Although the details of management differ, depending on the underlying cause and precipitating factors, anticoagulant therapy should be the first-line treat-ment of choice in all cases. For patients with primary or idiopathic UEDVT (Paget-von Schroetter syndrome), aggressive measures including catheter-directed thrombo-lysis, vascular procedures (eg, balloon angioplasty, stenting, filter), and surgical maneuvers (eg, first rib resection) have been advocated by some surgeons, but none of these high-risk interventions has been evaluated properly in prospective controlled trials. In contrast, for patients with catheter-associated central venous thrombosis (CACVT), or other secondary cases of UEDVT, many clinicians simply withdraw the catheter and avoid anticoagulant therapy. Because well-designed clinical trials are lacking, recommendations about the management of UEDVT are derived from descrip-tive studies and case series. Until further research identifies the natural history and optimum management of UEDVT, it seems reasonable to base treatment on antico-agulant regimens with proven effectiveness in lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). The use of additional intervention(s) should be reserved for carefully selected patients.     

The post-thrombotic syndrome: progress and pitfalls

The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) develops in up to one half of patients after symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and is the most common complication of DVT. Typical features of PTS include chronic pain, swelling, heaviness, oedema and skin changes in the affected limb. In severe cases, venous ulcers may develop. The frequency of PTS is likely to be reduced by preventing DVT with the use of effective thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients and settings and by minimising the risk of ipsilateral DVT recurrence. Use of compression stockings for 2 years after DVT appears to reduce the incidence and severity of PTS but issues remain regarding their use and effectiveness. Future research should focus on elucidating the pathophysiology and risk factors for PTS, assessing the safety and effectiveness of catheter-directed thrombolysis to prevent PTS and evaluating the optimal use of compression stockings to prevent and treat PTS. In addition, new therapies to treat PTS should be sought and evaluated.     

The Post-thrombotic Syndrome: The Forgotten Morbidity of Deep Venous Thrombosis

The postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) yet has received little attention from clinicians and researchers. Clinically, PTS is characterized by chronic pain, swelling, heaviness and other signs in the affected limb. In severe cases, venous ulcers may develop. PTS is burdensome and costly to patients and society because of its high prevalence, severity and chronicity. Preventing DVT with the use of effective thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients and settings and minimizing the risk of ipsilateral DVT recurrence are likely to reduce the frequency of PTS. Compression stockings worn daily after DVT appear to reduce the incidence and severity of PTS but questions regarding their use and effectiveness remain. Future research should focus on identifying patients at high risk for PTS, assessing the role of thrombolysis in preventing PTS and evaluating the optimal use of compression stockings in preventing and treating PTS. In addition, new therapies to treat PTS should be sought and evaluated.     

New advances in the knowledge on post-thrombotic syndrome

The real incidence of the post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is not known precisely, though of the most part of the variable studies, seems be deduced that it can be established a year after the deep venous thrombosis (DVT) acute of the inferior members in 17% to the 50% of the patients. Inseparably united to the venous hypertension that continues to the development of the incompetence valvular, is accompanied of a series of inflammatory reactions that include the increase in the permeability endothelial, the union of the circulating leukocytes at endothelium, the infiltration by monocytes, lymphocytes and mastocytes of the connective tissue, and the development of infiltrated tissular fibrotics and different molecular markers. To the contrary that in the DVT, we know very little about the factors that increase the risk of suffering a PTS, since the only one identified up until now it is the recurrent DVT. Currently we have different scales standardized for their your clinical diagnosis, though the Echo-Doppler is, currently, the technique not invasive of election to detect, locate and evaluate the venous disability valvular and the venous obstruction chronicle. The modern technical of image: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and isotopics have a promising future, even though are found in validation phase. The phlebothropics drugs are the therapeutic election strategy for the patients with PTS in those which is not indicated the surgery or in those which this is a assisting of the medical treatment. Finally, the deep venous surgery must be reserved for all those patients that suffer from venous insufficiency serious chronicle, with meaningful venous reflux and ambulatory venous hypertension.     

Presenting D‐dimer and early symptom severity are independent predictors for post‐thrombotic syndrome following a first deep vein thrombosis

Post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Current preventative strategies are limited to the daily wear of graduated compression stockings (GCS). The aim of this study was to evaluate early predictors of PTS. One hundred and twenty‐two consecutive patients with a first DVT were prospectively recruited from diagnosis and followed for up to 6 months post‐end of anticoagulation. D‐dimer was measured in 107 participants at presentation and Villalta scale was evaluated in 70 participants at a median of 2 weeks following diagnosis. PTS developed in 51·6% of participants. GCS were obtained by 78·1% of participants, with 33·7% reporting daily wear at the end of follow‐up. Mean early Villalta scale was significantly higher in those with PTS (8·1 ± 3·7) compared to those without (2·6 ± 2·7, P < 0·001). Median D‐dimer was significantly higher in those with PTS [3260 ng/ml, interquartile range (IQR) 820–8000 ng/ml] compared to those without (1540 ng/ml, IQR 810–2520 ng/ml, P < 0·001). The adjusted odds ratio for every one point increase in early Villalta scale was 1·78 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1·19–2·64; P = 0·005] and for D‐dimer >1910 ng/ml it was 2·71 (95% CI, 1·05–7·03; P = 0·04). These markers could enable targeted counselling regarding GCS for those at high risk of PTS.