Different medicine cocktail can mean fewer blood tests for rare stroke patients

Patients who have suffered a Cerebral venous thrombosis do not have to have their blood checked as often if they use a different medication. This came forth from a global study led by Amsterdam UMC and published in The Lancet Neurology.

Annually, around 300 people are affected by Cerebral venous thrombosis in the Netherlands. This occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels of the brain. It is a rare and severe form of stroke that often occurs in women under 50 years of age.

Patients are given blood thinners. This usually concerns vitamin K antagonists, which require regular checks for the correct dosage. However, based on the research of over 600 patients in 23 countries, the researchers stated that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are just as safe and effective. This would mean that the many visits to the thrombosis service would no longer be necessary.

“Because patients do not have to visit the thrombosis service as often, we expect it to lead to adaptations to international treatment standards,” said neurologist and research leader Jonathan Coutinho. “We also think that DOACs will become the standard medication for these patients in the future.”