Venous thromboembolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Focus on prevention and treatment

Table 1 Acquired risk factors for venous thromboembolism in inflammatory bowel disease patients and modalities for their prevention and/or treatment

Risk factor	Prevention/treatment modality
Active disease ("inflammatory burden")	Effective anti-inflammatory treatment
Smoking	Programmes for smoking cessation
Oral contraceptive use	Advise alternative methods of contraception
Hyperhomocysteinaemia	Assess the presence of vitamin deficiency (vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid) and correct if necessary
Dehydration	Provide adequate hydration
Prolonged immobilisation	Early mobilisation, especially after surgery; graduated compression stockings or pneumatic devices
Infections	Timely diagnosis and treatment of infections
Indwelling catheters	Limit the use of venous catheters; when possible, administer oral and enteral nutrition
Obesity	Encourage weight loss (diet, exercise)
Long-distance travel	Frequent ambulation, exercise, hydration