Prothrombin fragment F1+2 is not predictive for recurrent venous thromboembolism

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Recurrent venous thromboembolism risk assessment is crucial.
• Known clotting abnormalities (antithrombin, protein C/S deficiencies, Factor V Leiden) indicate a prethrombotic state.
• The detectability of heightened coagulation activation in patients without identified clotting defects is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2) as a predictor of recurrent venous thromboembolism.
• To compare F1+2 levels in thrombosis patients without defined clotting defects, Factor V Leiden patients, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Prospective follow-up of 180 patients without defined clotting abnormalities and 73 with Factor V Leiden after oral anticoagulant cessation.
• Regular measurement of prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2) levels.
• Comparison of F1+2 levels between patient groups and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Recurrent venous thromboembolism occurred in 9% of patients.
• No significant difference in F1+2 levels was found between patients with and without recurrent thrombosis at various time points.
• F1+2 levels were higher in both patient groups (with and without Factor V Leiden) compared to controls over one year, but no difference existed between the patient groups.

Conclusions:

• Prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2) monitoring is unsuitable for identifying individuals at risk of recurrent venous thrombosis.
• Permanent hemostatic system activation is detectable in patients with and without identified clotting defects.