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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
[Screening for thrombophilic abnormalities in very elderly patients].
Hélène Anard-Michelot1, Virginie Siguret, Isabelle Gouin-Thibault
1Service de médecine, Faculté des sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Université Paris Descartes.
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|December 17, 2010
Summary
In elderly patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism, genetic mutations like Factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene variants were common. However, inherited thrombophilia screening in those over 60 has limited impact on anticoagulation management.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Genetics
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk increases with age, yet biological risk factors in the elderly remain understudied.
- Elderly individuals often present with unprovoked or recurrent VTE, necessitating investigation into underlying causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of inherited thrombophilia and antiphospholipid antibodies in elderly patients with VTE.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of thrombophilia screening in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Assessed antithrombin, protein C, protein S deficiency, Factor V Leiden (G1691A), prothrombin (G20210A) gene variants, and antiphospholipid antibodies.
- Included 78 patients aged over 75 with unprovoked recurrent VTE or VTE at unusual sites.
Main Results:
- No deficiencies in natural coagulation inhibitors were found.
- Prevalence of Factor V Leiden heterozygosity was 12.8%, and prothrombin gene variant heterozygosity was 7.7%.
- Two patients (2.6%) were diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Inherited thrombophilia is prevalent in elderly VTE patients, but its impact on anticoagulation management is limited.
- Current recommendations to limit inherited thrombophilia screening in individuals aged 60 and older are supported by these findings.
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