TOPIC: THROMBOPHILIA

Topic: Thrombophilia

Thrombophilia

Abstract

This paper will enrich some of the recent facts, characteristics, symptoms and preventions about thrombophilia. The paper also wishes to explore the recent advances and the future development expected on the topic of thrombophilia

Thrombophilia

Introduction

Thrombophilia is a disorder in which the blood clots easily or excessively.

Inherited and acquired disorders can increase blood clotting. (Blumenfeld, 2007, 765-774)

Clots cause legs or arms to swell.

Blood levels of proteins that control clotting are measured.

People may need anticoagulants. (Schulman, 2005, 64-5)

Most disorders that cause thrombophilia increase the risk of blood clot formation in veins; a few increase the risk of clot formation in both arteries and veins. (Foka, 2006, 458-462)

Some of the disorders that cause thrombophilia are inherited. Many of these result from changes in the amount or function of certain proteins in the blood that control clotting. For example, activated protein C resistance (Factor V Leiden mutation); a specific mutation in the prothrombin gene, (prothrombin 20210 mutation) (Blumenfeld, 2007, 765-774); and a deficiency of protein C, protein S, or antithrombin all cause an increase in the production of fibrin, an important protein involved in clot formation. Hyperhomocysteinemia, an increase in the amount of homocysteine (a type of amino acid) in the blood, may increase the risk of clotting in veins and arteries. (Schulman, 2005, 64-5)

Other disorders that cause thrombophilia are acquired after birth. These disorders include disseminated intravascular coagulation (often associated with cancer), and antiphospholipid antibody (anticardiolipin) syndrome (including the presence of the lupus "anticoagulant"), which increase the risk of clotting because of overactivation of blood clotting factors.

Content

Other factors may increase the risk of clotting along with thrombophilia. Many involve conditions that result in a person not moving around sufficiently, causing blood to pool in the veins. Examples include paralysis, prolonged sitting (especially in confined spaces as in a car or airplane), prolonged bed rest, recent surgery, and heart attack. (Blumenfeld, 2007, 765-774) Heart failure, a condition in which the blood is not pumped sufficiently through the bloodstream, is a risk factor. Conditions that result in increased pressure on veins, including obesity and pregnancy, also increase risk.

Significance of Paper to Humans

Information about the association between thrombophilia and adverse outcomes related to women's health appeared in the scientific literature only in the last decade. So this paper will give an over its recent facts and figures about thrombophilia.

Characteristics Of Thrombophilia

Most of the inherited disorders do not begin to cause an increased risk ...