Treatment of lower extremity superficial thrombophlebitis.

CLINICAL QUESTION: What treatments for lower extremity superficial thrombophlebitis are associated with lower rates of venous thromboembolic events (VTE), major bleeding, and superficial venous thrombosis extension?

BOTTOM LINE: Fondaparinux (2.5 mg) subcutaneously once daily for 45 days is associated with fewer symptomatic VTEs and lower rates of superficial venous thrombosis extension and recurrence with no increases in major bleeding compared with placebo. Low-molecular-weight heparin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with lower rates of superficial thrombophlebitis extension or recurrence, but data regarding symptomatic VTEs are inconclusive.