Thrombophilia is the term used to describe a tendency toward developing thrombosis. This tendency may be inherited, involving polymorphism in gene coding for platelet or clotting factor proteins, or acquired due to alterations in the constituents of blood and/or blood vessels. An inherited thrombophilia is likely if there is a history of repeated episodes of thrombosis or a family history of thromboembolism. One should also consider an inherited thrombophilia when there are no obvious predisposing factors for thrombosis or when clots occur in a patient under the age of 45. Repeated episodes of thromboembolism occurring in patients over the age of 45 raise suspicion for an occult malignancy. A summary of inherited thrombophilias are summarized in Table 24.1. This list continues to grow, as new genetic polymorphisms and combined mutations are being detected. The prevalence of common thrombophilias is shown in Figure 24.1. Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation and hyperhomocysteinemia are present in nearly 5% of the general population and are often found in patients with venous thrombosis, while deficiencies of antithrombin (AT), protein C, and protein S are relatively uncommon. Elevated levels of factor VIII (FVIII) are uncovered frequently in the general population and in patients with thrombosis. This is not surprising as FVIII is an acute-phase reactant that increases rapidly after surgery or trauma; however, prospective studies have shown that FVIII elevation in some patients cannot be attributed to a stress reaction and probably represents mutations in the genes regulating FVIII synthesis or release (Kyrle et al., 2000). The same may be true for factors IX and XI. The relative risks for thrombosis among patients with inherited thrombophilias have been determined. While AT mutations are the least common, they are associated with a substantial risk of venous thrombosis; similar risk is seen with protein C and S deficiency. In contrast, the lifetime risk of having a thromboembolic event in an individual heterozygous for FVL is comparatively low (Martinelli et al., 1998). Incidence rates markedly increase with age, and are highest among those with AT deficiency, followed by protein C and protein S, and least with FVL.
Genetic modulation of the FVLeiden/normal FV ratio and risk of venous thrombosis in factor V Leiden heterozygotes