scholarly journals Venous Thrombosis: The Role of Genes, Environment, and Behavior

Hematology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frits R. Rosendaal

Abstract Over the last decade we have witnessed an avalanche of newly identified risk factors for venous thrombosis. This has advanced our knowledge of its etiology, because more determinants have been described and because the underlying concepts have received a new and broader understanding. Venous thrombosis is a common multicausal disease occurring as the result of interacting genetic, environmental and behavioral risk factors. Some of these have been known since medieval times, such as the increased risk of thrombosis during immobilization in pregnancy and after childbirth (although retained milk of the breast-feeding mother was seen as the primary cause for the latter). Pregnancy and puerperium still cause thrombosis, as do exogenous hormones in oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy. Furthermore, the immobilization in the puerperium of the old days translates directly to situations of immobilization in current times, such as prolonged travel in airplanes or excessive electronic gaming. While pedigrees with abundant thrombosis were observed in the early 1900s, the first cause of heritable thrombophilia (antithrombin deficiency) was discovered in 1965, with the subsequent identification of deficiencies of protein C and protein S in the early 1980s. These were uncommon and strong risk factors, whereas the more recently discovered genetic variants are common and weak, and cause disease only in the presence of other factors.

Hematology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frits R. Rosendaal

Over the last decade we have witnessed an avalanche of newly identified risk factors for venous thrombosis. This has advanced our knowledge of its etiology, because more determinants have been described and because the underlying concepts have received a new and broader understanding. Venous thrombosis is a common multicausal disease occurring as the result of interacting genetic, environmental and behavioral risk factors. Some of these have been known since medieval times, such as the increased risk of thrombosis during immobilization in pregnancy and after childbirth (although retained milk of the breast-feeding mother was seen as the primary cause for the latter). Pregnancy and puerperium still cause thrombosis, as do exogenous hormones in oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy. Furthermore, the immobilization in the puerperium of the old days translates directly to situations of immobilization in current times, such as prolonged travel in airplanes or excessive electronic gaming. While pedigrees with abundant thrombosis were observed in the early 1900s, the first cause of heritable thrombophilia (antithrombin deficiency) was discovered in 1965, with the subsequent identification of deficiencies of protein C and protein S in the early 1980s. These were uncommon and strong risk factors, whereas the more recently discovered genetic variants are common and weak, and cause disease only in the presence of other factors.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4022-4022
Author(s):  
Rainer B. Zotz ◽  
Andrea Gerhardt ◽  
Rudiger E. Scharf

Abstract The evaluation of quantitative risk factors of venous thromboembolism is characterized by several unsolved problems. The majority of quantitative components of hemostasis are dependent on age, sex, and hormone intake. The cut-off values determined in case-control studies depend on the specific patient/control group and can not be generalized on individuals with other characteristics. Furthermore, the approach does not give reference values dependent on age, sex, and hormone intake which are necessary for risk estimations in clinical practice. To overcome these disadvantages, we used a multiple regression analysis to create a system of reference values which change continuously depending on age, sex, and hormone intake according to the parameter distribution in healthy controls and calculated the relative risk of hemostatic components (729 patients with first VTE and 675 healthy controls). A significantly increased risk for venous thrombosis was associated with deficiency of protein S activity (odds ratio (OR) 2.8 to 6.1, p=0.0007), free protein S concentration (OR 2.7 to 20.4, p=0.0001), protein C activity (OR 3.2 to 9.4, p=0.0001), antithrombin activity (OR up to 75, p=0.0001), and increased levels of fibrinogen (OR 3.8, p=0.0001), factor VIII:C (OR 3.3, p=0.0001), factor IX (OR 2.3, p=0.0001), factor XI (OR 2.9, p=0.0001), vWF activity (OR 2.4, p=0.0001), and vWF antigen (OR 3.5, p=0.0001). In contrast to previously published studies, this new approach gives clinically important cut-off values dependent on age, sex, and hormone intake and allows to identify patients at increased risk for venous thrombosis on an individualized basis. Particularly parameters which are highly dependent on age and sex, like protein S activity, can be characterized more precisely using the described procedure. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates that, apart from well-known risk determinants, deficiency of protein S and increased values of FI, FVIII:C, FIX, FXI, vWF, and vWF-Ag are risk determinants predicting venous thrombosis.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 422-422
Author(s):  
Bakhtawar Khan Mahmoodi ◽  
Jan-Leendert P. Brouwer ◽  
Nic J.G.M. Veeger ◽  
Jan van der Meer

Abstract Introduction: Hereditary deficiencies of protein S, protein C or antithrombin are strong risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Whether these deficiencies are associated with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) and whether history of VTE in these subjects predisposes to subsequent ATE has yet to be determined. Methods: Based on pedigree analysis we enrolled a total 552 subjects (52% women; mean age, 46±17 years), belonging to 84 different kindreds, in this retrospective family-cohort study. Detailed information on previous episodes of VTE, ATE, anticoagulants use and atherosclerosis risk factors (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking) were collected. In addition to the index deficiencies participants were also tested for other thrombophilic defects; including factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, increased FVIII and lupus anticoagulants. Primary study outcome was objectively verified symptomatic ATE. As the assumption for proportional hazards for the final model was not met over the entire observation period, we opted for a piecewise Cox model with a cut off point set at 55 years of age. Results: Of 552 subjects (mean age±SD, 46±17 years; 52% women), 308 had either protein S (35%), protein C (39%) or antithrombin deficiency (26%). Age, atherosclerosis risk factors and other thrombophilic defects were similar (P>0.23) between deficient and non-deficient subjects. A total of 44 arterial thromboembolic events had occurred, corresponding to an overall annual incidences of 0.34% (95% CI, 0.23–0.49) in deficient and 0.17% (0.09–0.28) in non-deficient subjects, hazard ratio 2.3 (1.2–4.5; P=0.01). However, the risk hazards varied over lifetime; while risk of ATE conferred by these deficiencies was 5.4 (1.6–18.4; P=0.006) before age 55 years, it was 1.3 (0.6–2.9; P=0.51) thereafter. After adjusting for atherosclerosis risk factors and clustering of ATE within families, deficient subjects had 4.7-fold (1.5–14.2; P=0.007) higher risk of ATE before age 55 years, versus 1.1 (0.5–2.6; P=0.84) thereafter, compared to non-deficient family members. For separate deficiencies these were 4.6 (1.1 – 18.3), 6.9 (2.1 – 22.2) and 1.1 (0.1 – 10.9) in protein S-, protein C- and antithrombin-deficient subjects, respectively, before age 55 years. History of VTE was not related to subsequent ATE, hazard ratio 1.1 (0.5 – 2.2). Conclusions: Compared to non-deficient family members, subjects with protein S or protein C deficiencies but not antithrombin deficiency have an increased risk for ATE before age 55 years, independent of prior VTE. After age 55 years conventional atherosclerosis risk factors accounted for ATE. In thrombophilic families, deficiencies of protein S and protein C should be considered in atherothrombotic risk assessment before age 55 years.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Dahlbäck

AbstractVenous thromboembolism is a major medical problem, annually affecting 1 in 1000 individuals. It is a typical multifactorial disease, involving both genetic and circumstantial risk factors that affect a delicate balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant forces. In the last 50 years, the molecular basis of blood coagulation and the anticoagulant systems that control it have been elucidated. This has laid the foundation for discoveries of both common and rare genetic traits that tip the natural balance in favor of coagulation, with a resulting lifelong increased risk of venous thrombosis. Multiple mutations in the genes for anticoagulant proteins such as antithrombin, protein C, and protein S have been identified and constitute important risk factors. Two single mutations in the genes for coagulation factor V (FV Leiden) and prothrombin (20210G>A), resulting from approximately 20 000-year-old mutations with subsequent founder effects, are common in the general population and constitute major genetic risk factors for thrombosis. In celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the American Society of Hematology, this invited review highlights discoveries that have contributed to our present understanding of the systems that control blood coagulation and the genetic factors that are involved in the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis.


1997 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bengt Zöller ◽  
Andreas Hillarp ◽  
Björn Dahlbäck

The discovery of inherited resistance to activated protein C (APC) as a major risk factor for venous thrombosis has dramatically improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis. In a majority of cases, APC resistance is associated with a single point mutation in the factor V gene (FV) that results in substitution of arginine, R, at position 506 by glutamine, Q. (FV:Q506). The mutation renders factor Va partially resistant to degradation by APC. A functional APC resistance test, which includes predilution of the patient plasma with factor V-deficient plasma, is found to be 100% sensitive and specific for the presence of FV:Q506 and is useful as a screening assay. Carriers of the FV:Q506 allele have increased thrombin generation, resulting in hypercoagulability and a lifelong increased risk of venous thrombosis. In Western countries, APC resistance due to the FV mutation is present in 20-60% of thrombosis patients and in 1-15% of healthy controls, whereas the mutation is virtually absent from ethnic groups other than Caucasians. This may explain the high incidence of venous thrombosis in Western countries. The thrombotic risk in APC-resistant individuals may be further increased by other genetic defects, e.g., protein C or protein S deficiency, and by exposure to circumstantial risk factors, e.g., oral contraceptives, pregnancy, immobilization, and surgery. The question is thus raised as to whether general screening for APC resistance before circumstantial risk factors occur is warranted in Western countries. Key Words: Factor V—APC resistance-Protein C-Protein S—Thrombosis—Mutation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 90 (11) ◽  
pp. 835-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj Patel ◽  
Elizabeth Ford ◽  
Jill Thumpston ◽  
Roopen Arya

SummaryRisk factors for venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) in the black population are poorly characterized. Of 142 black cases tested a genetic cause was identified in only 9.1%: 4.2% had protein C deficiency, 2.8% protein S deficiency, 0.7% antithrombin deficiency and 1.4% were heterozygous for FV Leiden. We hypothesised that elevated factor VIII levels constitute a candidate risk factor for venous thrombosis in the black population. Factor VIII (FVIII:C) levels were determined in 100 black patients with VTE and 100 black controls in a case-control study. Of the patients 34% had a FVIII:C above 228 IU/dL (the 90thcentile value in normal blacks) compared to 10% controls. Relative to those with FVIII:C below this value, odds ratio (OR) for risk of VTE was 4.64 (95% CI 2.02-10.85). When FVIII:C below 150 IU/dL was used as a comparator, OR was 11.1 (95% CI 4.29-29.43). There was evidence for a dose-response relationship. We propose that raised FVIII:C is a major risk factor for VTE in black subjects with prevalence and odds ratio exceeding those reported for white subjects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Schlosshauer ◽  
Marcus Kiehlmann ◽  
Diana Jung ◽  
Robert Sader ◽  
Ulrich M Rieger

Abstract Background Post-bariatric patients present a surgical challenge within abdominoplasty because of residual obesity and major comorbidities. In this study, we analyzed complications following abdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients and evaluated potential risk factors associated with these complications. Objectives The authors sought to determine the complications and risk factors following abdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients. Methods A retrospective study of patients who underwent abdominoplasty was performed from January 2009 to December 2018 at our institution. Variables analyzed were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, surgical technique, operative time, resection weight, drain output, and complications. Results A total of 406 patients were included in this study (320 female and 86 male) with a mean age of 44.4 years and a BMI of 30.6 kg/m2. Abdominoplasty techniques consisted of traditional (64.3%), fleur-de-lis technique (27.3%), and panniculectomy without umbilical displacement (8.4%). Overall complications recorded were 41.9%, the majority of these being wound-healing problems (32%). Minor and major complications were found in 29.1% and 12.8% of patients, respectively. A BMI value of ≥30 kg/m2 was associated with an increased risk for wound-healing problems (P = 0.001). The frequency of total complications was significantly related to age (P = 0.007), BMI (P = 0.004), and resection weight (P = 0.001). Abdominoplasty technique tended to influence total complications. Conclusions This study demonstrates in a fairly large sample of post-bariatric patients (n = 406) that abdominoplasty alone can be performed safely, with an acceptable complication rate. Age, BMI, and resection weight are shown to be significant risk factors for total complications. The role of surgical technique needs to be evaluated further. Level of Evidence: 4


Author(s):  
Mehdi Kushkestani ◽  
Mohsen Parvani ◽  
Bakhtyar Tartibian ◽  
Rasoul Eslami

The COVID-19 virus has caused many deaths of people worldwide since the pandemic began. However, no definitive treatment for this infection has been discovered so far. It has been shown that comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of SARS-COV-2 infection. Interestingly, SARS-COV-2, like SARS-COV, uses the ACE2 gene to enter the host cell. Also, changes or imbalance in ACE2.ACE can affect SARS-COV-2 susceptibility, related outcomes and mortality. Regarding the crucial role of ACE2 protein in COVID-19 infection, the effect of different factors such as age, BMI, physical activity levels, nutritional status, altitude, as well as blood group was assessed on the level of this protein. Further, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted to examine factors that increase or decrease the risk of COVID-19 and its related severity and outcome in normal subjects emphasizing the pivotal role of ACE2. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the involved mechanisms of ACE2 protein and other risk factors causing infection in different situations and finally, to introduce a safe, accurate, and cost-effective approach to prevent SARS-COV-2 infection and hard clinical outcomes in normal subjects.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ava L Liberman ◽  
Alexander E Merkler ◽  
Gino Gialdini ◽  
Michael P Lerario ◽  
Steven R Messe ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) is associated with an increased risk of subsequent venous thromboembolism. It is unknown whether the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) after CVT is similar to that of PE after deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using administrative claims data from all emergency department visits and hospitalizations in California from 2005-2011, New York from 2006-2013, and Florida from 2005-2013. We identified patients with CVT or DVT as well as the primary outcome of PE using previously validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification ( ICD-9-CM ) codes. In order to minimize misclassification error, patients with both CVT and DVT during the same index hospitalization were excluded and patients with CVT were censored at the time of development of DVT and vice versa. Kaplan-Meier survival statistics and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of PE after CVT versus after DVT while adjusting for demographics, vascular risk factors, and the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Results: We identified 4,450 patients with CVT and 217,589 patients with DVT. During a mean follow-up of 2.0 (±1.7) years, 124 patients with DVT developed a PE and 18,698 patients with DVT developed a PE. Patients with CVT were younger (mean age 45 vs 63), more often female (71% vs 52%), more often pregnant, and had fewer vascular risk factors than patients with DVT. During the index hospitalization, the rate of PE was 1.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.8%) in patients with CVT and 6.2% (95% CI, 6.1-6.3%, p<0.001) in patients with DVT. By 5 years, the cumulative rate of PE after CVT was 3.7% (95% CI, 3.0-4.4%) compared to 10.5% (95% CI, 10.3-10.6%, p<0.001) after DVT. After adjustment for demographics and comorbidities, CVT was associated with a significantly lower hazard of PE when compared to DVT (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.26-0.38). Conclusion: In a large, heterogeneous population, we found that the risk of PE after CVT was significantly lower than that of PE after DVT. Among patients with CVT, the greatest risk for PE was apparent during the index hospitalization.


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