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: Thrombophilias

  • 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:…

  • Progestin-only Contraceptives and Thrombosis

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