Obstetric Implications of The Factor V Leiden Mutation: A Review

Dena Bloomenthal; Marie-France Delisle; Francine Tessier; Peter Tsang

doi:10.1055/s-2002-20172

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 2002; 19(1): 037-048
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-20172

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Obstetric Implications of The Factor V Leiden Mutation: A Review

Dena Bloomenthal¹ , Marie-France Delisle¹ , Francine Tessier¹ , Peter Tsang²

¹Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
²Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Clinical Instructor, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, and Ambulatory Care Clinic, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Factor V Leiden (FVL) is a newly discovered genetic mutation that impairs one of the body's naturally occurring anticoagulation systems. The result is resistance to activated protein C and a predisposition to thrombosis. FVL is the most common cause of primary and recurrent venous thromboembolism in the pregnant and nonpregnant state. The FVL gene is common in the general population and transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. When FVL is combined with the prothrombotic state of pregnancy, the result is an increased propensity to manifest a number of pregnancy complications. These include recurrent pregnancy loss and stillbirth, severe and early-onset preeclampsia, placental abruption and possibly, intrauterine growth restriction. It remains unknown whether thromboprophylaxis is effective in ameliorating these pregnancy complications. The current literature and management recommendations are highlighted in this article.

KEYWORD

Factor V Leiden - thrombophilia - pregnancy complications

Full Text

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