Acquired and genetic risk factors for deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities among Lebanese patients.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Venous thrombosis results from the interaction of environmental and genetic risk factors. These factors vary according to the ethnic and geographic distribution of the populations. The aim of this study is to define the role of acquired and genetic risk factors for venous thrombosis of lower extremities among Lebanese patients assessed in a university hospital and to discuss them according to the international literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2005 to January 2010, 166 patients (72 males and 94 females) were diagnosed with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Mean age was 67 years (range 25 to 96 years). RESULTS: The most frequently reported acquired risk factors for venous thrombosis in this study were advanced age, obesity, history of venous thromboembolism, immobilization, surgery, varicose veins and malignancy. Screening for prothrombotic genetic abnormalities was requested in patients with conditions highly suggestive of hypercoagulation state such as young patients, patients with spontaneous, recurrent or extensive venous thrombosis, patients with family history, oral contraceptives, air travel and pregnancy. All the 45 patients (27.1%) tested for thrombophilia were positive and were carriers for factors V-Leiden (17.4%), MTHFR C 677 T (16.8%), MTHFR A 1298 C (4.8%), II G 20210 A (1.8%) and V H 1299 R (1.2%) mutation. Twelve patients (7.2%) had increased homocysteine level. CONCLUSION: Advanced age is the most common risk factor for venous thrombosis in these series. Thrombophilia is the second most frequently observed risk factor and is related to the high prevalence of factor V-Leiden and MTHFR C 677 T mutation among the Lebanese population.