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Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Antithrombin Deficiency: Frequency in Patients with Thrombosis and Thrombophilic Families
Maria Anna Pejková1, Eva Ivanová1, Petr Sadílek1
14th Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology, Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové; Czech Republic.
Purpose:
Antithrombin (AT) deficiency is a well-known inherited risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, F V Leiden and F II20210a mutations have drawn much more attention in the recent years. Therefore, we have decided to analyze the frequency of antithrombin deficiency in different cohorts of patients and tried to formulate indications for its testing.
Results:
Antithrombin deficiency was found in 4% of patients with recurrent VTE ≤ 50 years of age with, in 1% of patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis and in 2% of cases associated with combined oral contraceptives (COC) use or pregnancy. In patients with central venous thrombosis, antithrombin deficiency was not found.
Recommendation:
We consider antithrombin testing useful in patients with thrombosis occuring up to 45 years of age without any risk factors. Namely, females with VTE in pregnancy and puerperium should be tested as well as females with thrombosis on COC, if VTE occurred within the first year of their use.
Conclusion:
In spite of degressive interest in thrombophilia work up, we still consider antithrombin testing useful in defined clinical situations.
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