Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

Many of you have asked me about this. I wanted to post a quick summary of the "Inherited Thrombophilias" which are the things that lead to a GENETIC TENDENCY to venous thromboembolism (clots) Remember that most of us who have DVTs have other risk factors (recent surgery, pregnancy, inactivity, plane flights, etc) but some do have genetic factors that contribute.

1) Factor V Leiden is the most common cause of the syndrome accounting for 40 to 50 percent of cases.
2) The prothrombin gene mutation, Protein C deficiency, Protein S deficiency and antithrombin deficiency account for most of the remaining cases
3) The total incidence of an inherited thrombophilia in people with a deep vein thrombosis ranges from 24 to 37 percent overall compared to about 10 percent in controls (people tested who have NOT had a DVT)
4) The lifetime probability of developing a clot compared to those with no defect was 8.5 times higher for carriers of protein S deficiency, 8.1 for antithrombin deficiency, 7.3 for protein C deficiency, and 2.2 for factor V Leiden.
5) There is MUCH debate about whether a person with Factor V Leiden who has HAD a clot is at risk for another...studies go both ways some show no risk others show mild risks...if you do have one of the inherited thrombophilias mentioned above its worth at least one visit to a hematologist.
Dr O.
Posted on 02/23/08, 07:02 pm