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[Testing for thrombophilia in patients with venous thromboembolism - why and whom to test?]
Hereditary and acquired thrombophilias are known risk factors for a first venous thromboembolism (VTE). In contrast, the relative risk of VTE recurrence in presence of hereditary thrombophilia seems to be at most moderately elevated. However, thrombophilia still contributes to a greater extent to the absolute risk of VTE recurrence. This is explained by the 20-50-fold increased risk of VTE in a subject after a first VTE when compared to the state without previous VTE. Testing for thrombophilia may therefore be helpful in patients at intermediate risk of recurrence in whom the finding of a "strong" thrombophilia can bring about a decision for long-term anticoagulation.
Hereditary and acquired thrombophilias are known risk factors for a first venous thromboembolism (VTE). In contrast, the relative risk of VTE recurrence in presence of hereditary thrombophilia seems to be at most moderately elevated. However, thrombophilia still contributes to a greater extent to the absolute risk of VTE recurrence. This is explained by the 20-50-fold increased risk of VTE in a subject after a first VTE when compared to the state without previous VTE. Testing for thrombophilia may therefore be helpful in patients at intermediate risk of recurrence in whom the finding of a "strong" thrombophilia can bring about a decision for long-term anticoagulation.
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