Efficacy and Safety of Nadroparin Calcium-Warfarin Sequential Anticoagulation in Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Anticoagulation therapy in portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis is still a matter of debate. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nadroparin calcium-warfarin sequential (NWS) anticoagulation therapy in cirrhotic patients and to find an optimal anticoagulation strategy. METHODS: Consecutive cirrhotic patients with PVT who have not received anticoagulation therapy were randomly divided into the NWS therapy group (1-month nadroparin calcium by subcutaneous injection followed by 5-month warfarin by oral administration) and control group (no anticoagulation therapy). Overall recanalization rate of PVT and risks of bleeding were evaluated at the sixth month. RESULTS: Among 64 patients, complete or partial recanalization of PVT was observed in 20/32 NSW therapy group patients vs 11/32 control group patients (62.5% vs 34.4%, P = 0.024), with no statistically significant difference in bleeding rate. Child-Pugh score (P = 0.023), D-dimer < 2.00 μg/mL (P = 0.020), and NWS anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.004) were predictors associated with the recanalization. NWS anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.008) was an independent predicting factor of recanalization. In the NWS therapy group, the Child-Pugh score (P = 0.007) and albumin level (P = 0.004) were improved in the sixth month. DISCUSSION: NWS anticoagulation therapy was effective and safe in PVT patients with cirrhosis and could increase the level of albumin. NWS therapy is safe and easily accepted.