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A groundbreaking global study has revealed that a new class of blood thinners offers a safer and more convenient alternative for patients suffering from sinus thrombosis.
Patients diagnosed with sinus thrombosis, a rare and serious form of stroke, are traditionally treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). This treatment requires regular check-ups to monitor dosage and prevent complications. However, a recent international study coordinated by Amsterdam UMC suggests that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are just as safe and effective while eliminating the need for frequent monitoring. The findings were published in The Lancet Neurology.
A More Convenient Treatment
DOACs provide a significant advantage over VKAs due to their ease of use. Unlike VKAs, which require frequent blood tests and dosage adjustments, DOACs allow patients to manage their condition with minimal medical supervision. This improvement in patient convenience may lead to changes in international treatment guidelines.
Neurologist and research leader Jonathan Coutinho emphasized the importance of these findings: “We think these new drugs will provide patients with much more ease of use. We also expect that this research will influence international standards for treating these patients, making DOACs the preferred choice in the future.”
Understanding Sinus Thrombosis
Sinus thrombosis affects primarily individuals under the age of 50, with around 300 cases reported annually in the Netherlands alone. Women account for approximately 75% of these cases. The condition is caused by blockages in the brain’s blood vessels, potentially leading to severe complications such as brain hemorrhages. Common symptoms include intense headaches, paralysis symptoms, and seizures.
Study Findings: Safety and Effectiveness
The study is the largest international research effort on sinus thrombosis in 25 years. Researchers analyzed data from 619 patients across 23 countries and five continents. Among these patients, 65% were treated with DOACs, while 35% received VKAs. To determine the safety of both treatments, researchers focused on major bleeding incidents, the most significant risk associated with blood thinners.
Within six months of diagnosis, 3% of patients in both treatment groups experienced either a recurrence of thrombosis or major bleeding. These results indicate that DOACs are equally effective and safe compared to VKAs.
Coutinho praised the collaborative nature of the study: “We are very pleased that we were able to conduct this large-scale study with our extensive international network. Given the challenges posed by regulations such as GDPR, carrying out such research has become increasingly difficult. However, through joint efforts, we succeeded.”
Implications for the Future
With these promising results, DOACs could soon replace VKAs as the standard treatment for sinus thrombosis. By reducing the need for regular monitoring, they offer a more patient-friendly solution while maintaining safety and efficacy.
More Information: Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists for cerebral venous thrombosis (DOAC-CVT): an international, prospective, observational cohort study, The Lancet Neurology (2025).
Journal Information: Lancet Neurology
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their treatment plans.
