thrombophilia

In those who are referred for thrombophilia testing, 30-50% have the defect.

Both underlying thrombophilia and cesarean section can further increase these risks.

Presence of genetic thrombophilia may determine the need for anticoagulation therapy.

These factors tend to be more important in the decision than the presence or absence of a detectable thrombophilia.

An inherited tendency to thrombosis is known as thrombophilia.

An important example is the possible increased risk of abortion in women with thrombophilia (propensity for blood clots).

They are the most common hereditary causes for thrombophilia (a tendency to form blood clots).

In the United Kingdom, professional guidelines give specific indications for thrombophilia testing.

Antiphospholipid antibodies are detected in 24% of those referred to thrombophilia testing.

If the condition was unprovoked but there are no clear causes or a "mild" form of thrombophilia, 6 to 12 months is advised.

In thrombophilia, the balance between "procoagulant" and "anticoagulant" activity is disturbed.

Quantitative or qualitative deficiency of either may lead to thrombophilia (a tendency to develop thrombosis).

Note that many women with thrombophilia go through one or more pregnancies with no difficulties, while others may have pregnancy complications.

The composition of the blood (hypercoagulability or thrombophilia)

Those with another thrombophilia but no family or personal history of VTE were suggested for watchful waiting only.

Blood tests for thrombophilia, ovarian function, thyroid function and diabetes are performed.

There are divergent views as to whether everyone with an unprovoked episode of thrombosis should be investigated for thrombophilia.

In people without a detectable thrombophilia, the cumulative risk of developing thrombosis by the age of 60 is about 12%.

Thus genetic thrombophilia screening can consist of:

The rare forms of congenital thrombophilia are typically caused by a deficiency of natural anticoagulants.

Hypercoagulability in pregnancy, particularly due to inheritable thrombophilia, can lead to placental vascular thrombosis.

Hypercoagulable state (thrombophilia) results from defects in regulation of platelet or clotting factor function, and can cause thrombosis.

These include thrombophilia, arthralgia, cardiomyopathy (systolic dysfunction), fever, low vitamin B12 levels and diarrhea.

Whether thrombophilia also increases the risk of arterial thrombosis (which is the underlying cause of heart attacks and strokes) is less well established.

The most common types of congenital thrombophilia are those that arise as a result of overactivity of coagulation factors.