Optimal length of oral anticoagulant treatment for maximum benefit within 5 years after discontinuation of oral anticoagulants in patients with acute pulmonary embolism who require secondary thromboprophylaxis

Background Extended oral anticoagulant (OA) use is recommended in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) who require secondary thromboprophylaxis. Nevertheless, the optimal length of OA use for the maximum long-term benefit in this patient population has been undefined to date.Methods A retrospective study was performed to explore the role of different length of overall OA use (group 1 (≥1 year of OA use and