The prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation in patients with leg ulcers and venous insufficiency

M B Maessen-Visch1, K Hamulyak, D J Tazelaar

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Archives of Dermatology
|January 29, 1999
PubMed

Insights

The factor V Leiden mutation is more common in patients with venous leg ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency. This mutation increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis and recurrent leg ulcerations.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are significant clinical challenges.
  • The role of genetic predispositions, such as factor V Leiden mutation, in the pathogenesis of CVI and VLUs requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation in patients with CVI and VLUs.
  • To compare this prevalence against a control group.
  • To investigate the association between factor V Leiden mutation and a history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with CVI.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted across three outpatient dermatological clinics.
  • Ninety-two patients diagnosed with venous leg ulcers were compared with 53 control patients.
  • Factor V Leiden mutation was the primary outcome measure assessed.

Main Results:

  • Factor V Leiden mutation was significantly more prevalent in patients with VLUs (23%) compared to controls (7.5%; P=.03).
  • Patients with the mutation had a higher likelihood of a history of venous thromboembolism (91% vs 48%; P=.002).
  • Recurrent DVT (38% vs 14%) and recurrent leg ulcerations (43% vs 19%) were more frequent in the factor V Leiden mutation group.

Conclusions:

  • Factor V Leiden mutation is more frequent in individuals with venous leg ulceration than in the general population.
  • The presence of factor V Leiden mutation is associated with an elevated risk of developing deep venous thrombosis and experiencing recurrent leg ulcerations.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Varicose Veins I: Introduction01:26

Varicose Veins I: Introduction

Varicose veins, or varicosities, are abnormally dilated and twisted superficial veins caused by venous valve incompetence. This condition commonly affects the lower extremities, especially the saphenous veins, due to the higher pressure from prolonged standing and walking. However, varicosities can also occur in other areas, such as the esophagus, vulva, spermatic cords, and anorectal region.Etiology and typesPrimary varicose veins, often idiopathic, are more common in women due to inherent...
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:26

Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Varicose veins, or varicosities, develop when the valves in the veins, which control blood flow, weaken or damage. It causes blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management options for varicose veins is crucial for effective treatment and relief.Clinical manifestationsClinical manifestations of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling or pain after prolonged standing or sitting. This discomfort can often be relieved by...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...