[Thrombophilia in pregnancy and its influence on venous thromboembolism and recurrent miscarriages]

Thrombophilia can be defined as a predisposition to thrombosis. Inherited or acquired thrombophilias have been associated with venous thromboembolism and recurrent pregnancy loss. Abnormalities in haemostasis that are associated with clinical thrombophilia include heritable defects, such as mutation in genes encoding antithrombin III, protein C and S, prothrombin, factor V, hyperhomocysteinemia or acquired defects such as antiphospholipids. Women with thrombophilic tendency have an increased risk of other vascular pregnancy complications such as premature placental abruption and intrauterine growth retardation. In this paper there are different types of thrombophilias described. It is suggested that women with personal or family history of venous thromboembolism or recurrent fetal loss should be screened to improve pregnancy outcome.