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Semin Thromb Hemost 2005; 31(1): 5-10
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-863799
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Laboratory Detection of Inherited Thrombophilia: A Historical Perspective

Pier M. Mannucci1
  • 1Professor, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, IRCCS Maggiore Hospital and University of Milan, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 February 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Considerable progress has been made in determining the molecular bases of inherited thrombophilia in the last 25 years. There are several genetic abnormalities that can be detected in the laboratory and are currently recognized to be unequivocally associated with an increased tendency to develop venous thrombosis. Testing for inherited and acquired causes of thrombophilia may make counseling more focused in ostensibly healthy members of thrombophilic families (i.e., those in which a measurable abnormality was identified in one or more asymptomatic persons). In other situations, including women who start taking oral contraceptives, become pregnant, or consider hormone replacement therapy, screening is generally not useful. It is hoped that because we currently have such simple and clinically useful global tests of hypocoagulability as the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, it may soon become possible to measure multifactorial thrombophilia without resorting to the multiplicity of tests now necessary.

KEYWORDS

Thrombophilia - factor V Leiden - prothrombin gene mutation - hypercoagulability - laboratory testing

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Pier M MannucciM.D. 

Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy

Email: pmmannucci@libero.it