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Published on: February 10, 2023
Deep venous thrombosis and thrombophilia: indications for testing and clinical implications
P de Moerloose1, M Alhenc-Gelas, F Boehlen
1Division of Angiology and Haemostasis, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Insights
Identifying biological abnormalities for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) requires a tailored approach. Selecting appropriate laboratory tests based on clinical history and defect prevalence is crucial for effective patient management and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Hematology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with numerous biological abnormalities.
- Effective management necessitates identifying these underlying causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To guide the selection of laboratory tests for patients with deep venous thrombosis.
- To optimize therapeutic strategies based on identified genetic or acquired defects.
Main Methods:
- A combined clinical and laboratory approach is proposed.
- Consideration of patient/family history, defect prevalence, and test accuracy is emphasized.
Main Results:
- Tailoring laboratory testing programs to individual patients is essential.
- Identifying patients who will benefit from testing for prevention and therapy is a key challenge.
Conclusions:
- The approach to laboratory testing for DVT should be individualized.
- Current recommendations are provisional and subject to change with new research findings.
Abstract:
In the past 3 decades, numerous biological abnormalities linked with deep venous thrombosis have been described. Among the different possibilities, it is crucial to order tests that can modify the therapeutic attitude towards the patient and/or his family. A combined clinical and laboratory approach taking into account the history of the patient and his family, the prevalence of the defects, and also the accuracy of the tests should allow tailoring a laboratory testing program to each patient. It is essential to keep in mind that the more difficult task is not to perform the tests but to consider who will benefit from testing both for prevention and therapy of venous thromboembolism. This article provides answers to some of these issues. These answers should, however, be considered as tentative and provisional because new findings and study results will certainly modify them in the near future.
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