Key result
Low-dose warfarin induction achieves therapeutic INR by day 6 in ~52% of patients without bleeding.
Why the study?
Daily INR monitoring during warfarin initiation is inconvenient for outpatients with deep vein thrombosis, prompting evaluation of a low-dose protocol with less frequent testing.
Does a low-dose warfarin initiation protocol (5 mg daily) with infrequent testing safely achieve therapeutic INR in patients with deep vein thrombosis?
Comparison
Warfarin 5 mg daily for 3 days with INR testing on days 4 and 6
Design
Audit of outpatient warfarin initiation protocol
Follow-up
6 days
Authors
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Low-dose outpatient warfarin start with INR checks on days 4 and 6 may be feasible in DVT; leaves open prospective validation before practice change.
Observational (n=248)
Does a low-dose warfarin initiation protocol (5 mg daily) with infrequent testing safely achieve therapeutic INR in patients with deep vein thrombosis?
A low-dose warfarin initiation protocol of 5 mg daily is safe and convenient for outpatient DVT management, avoiding the need for daily INR monitoring.
Harper et al. (2005) conducted an observational in Deep vein thrombosis (n=248). Low-dose warfarin protocol was evaluated on Therapeutic INR on day 6. A low-dose warfarin induction protocol of 5 mg daily achieved a therapeutic INR in 52% of patients by day 6, with a low risk of overdose and no reported bleeding.
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