The recommended treatment

duration for a first episode of unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) is, at

a minimum, 3 months with extended anticoagulation favored for those who are not

at high risk for bleeding.  However, the

optimal duration of anticoagulation therapy remains unknown.

The Prolonged Anticoagulation

Treatment for a First Episode of Idiopathic Pulmonary Embolism (PADIS-PE) study

examines this question but, most importantly, provides insights about patient outcomes after anticoagulation

treatment is discontinued