A Clearinghouse for Information about Blood Clots (DVT/)PE) and Clotting Disorders (thrombophilia) provided as a public service by the University of North Carolina Blood Research Center

Category: Clotting disorder – thrombophilia

  • Pregnancy Loss and Thrombophilia

    How common is pregnancy loss? What are the causes? Pregnancy loss  in the general population is common. Most losses occur in the first trimester. As many as 5 % of women have 2 or more early losses; 1-2 % have 3 or more early losses [ref 1]. Well established risk factors for pregnancy loss are:…

  • Pregnancy Loss and Clotting Disorders

    How common is pregnancy loss? What are the causes? Pregnancy loss (= miscarriage) in the general population is common. Most losses occur in the first trimester. As many as 5 % of women have 2 or more early losses; 1-2 % have 3 or more early losses [ref 1]. Well established risk factors for pregnancy…

  • Progestin-only Contraceptives and Blood Clots

    Background It is well known that combination contraceptives (containing estrogens AND progestins) increase the risk for blood clots (venous thromboembolism = VTE). Relatively few data, however, have been published on progestin-only contraceptives, so that until recently it has not been clear whether they increase the risk for VTE or not.

  • Family Member Testing For Thrombophilia

    Background If a thrombophilia (clotting disorder) has been identified in a patient with blood clots (venous thromboembolism = VTE), the question arises whether other family members should be tested for the same thrombophilia. My Clinical Approach My approach in clinical practice to thrombophilia testing in family members is summarized in table 1: Family Member Testing. If the patient

  • Family Member Testing for Thrombophilia

    Background If a thrombophilia (clotting disorder) has been identified in a patient with blood clots (venous thromboembolism = VTE), the question arises whether other family members should be tested for the same thrombophilia. My Clinical Approach My approach in clinical practice to thrombophilia testing in family members is summarized in table 1:  Testing of Family Members.

  • Long Distance Travel and Blood Clots

    Background and Summary Long distance travel, either by plane, car, bus or train, is a slight risk factor for DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and PE (pulmonary embolism). The risk is low. However, there are some people who are at higher risk. In these people compression stockings and/or an injection of a low-dose “blood thinner” (low…

  • Thrombophilia Testing – Who Should be Tested?

    Background and Consensus Guidelines No general consensus exists as to which patients with blood clots and which family members should be tested for thrombophilias.  At least five guidelines or consensus statements exist (ref 1-5).  They vary markedly in their recommendations as to who should be tested and who not,

  • Unexplained Arterial Clots – Causes, Thrombophilia Testing

    Background, anatomy Arteries are the blood vessels that lead blood away from the heart into the periphery, i.e. to the extremities, the brain, the abdominal and pelvic organs. They deliver oxygen to organs and muscles. Veins lead the blood back to the heart, from where it flows into the lung to take up fresh oxygen.…