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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
13:08
Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Factor V Leiden mutation in postthrombotic and non-postthrombotic venous ulcers
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. jhafner@derm.unizh.ch
Archives of Dermatology
|May 18, 2001
Summary
The factor V Leiden mutation is highly prevalent in patients with postthrombotic venous ulcers, with a 38% occurrence. Even non-postthrombotic ulcers show a moderately elevated prevalence, suggesting a potential genetic link in venous ulceration.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Venous ulcers are a significant clinical challenge.
- The role of genetic factors, such as the factor V Leiden mutation, in venous ulcer development is not fully understood.
- Postthrombotic syndrome is a common complication following deep vein thrombosis and a frequent cause of venous ulcers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of the factor V Leiden mutation in patients suffering from postthrombotic and non-postthrombotic venous ulcers.
- To compare the frequency of the factor V Leiden mutation between these two groups of patients.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted.
- Seventy-three patients with venous ulcers were compared to 45 age- and sex-matched controls.
- The study assessed the frequency of postthrombotic and non-postthrombotic findings and the prevalence of the factor V Leiden mutation in venous ulcer subgroups.
Main Results:
- Postthrombotic syndrome accounted for 58% of the 73 venous ulcers studied.
- The factor V Leiden mutation prevalence was 38% in postthrombotic ulcers (OR, 13.2; P<.001) and 16% in non-postthrombotic ulcers (OR, 3.2; P=.07).
- A significantly higher prevalence of the factor V Leiden mutation was observed in patients with postthrombotic venous ulcers compared to non-postthrombotic ones.
Conclusions:
- The factor V Leiden mutation is highly prevalent in patients with postthrombotic venous ulcers.
- A moderately elevated prevalence of the factor V Leiden mutation was also noted in non-postthrombotic venous ulcers.
- While genetic predisposition is evident, systematic screening for factor V Leiden mutation in venous ulcer patients is not currently recommended due to unestablished therapeutic consequences.
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