Recognize the Signs of Thrombophilic Conditions
PREGNANCY LOSS
Repeated pregnancy loss and miscarriage may be signs of a clotting disorder (thrombophilia), especially in women with:
Pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriage may be due to excessive or abnormal clotting in the small blood vessels of the placenta.
INHERITED DEFICIENCIES
Most patients with an inherited or acquired clotting disorder may not have symptoms for a significant period. These patients are normally diagnosed because of a personal or family history of a blood clot. Some common signs of inherited clotting disorders include:
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Clots in the mesenteric vein
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Family history of blood clots
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First clot at a young age, often younger than 40 years old
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Frequent recurrence
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Neonatal purpura fulminans
SUPERFICIAL THROMBOPHLEBITIS
These clots often partially block blood flow in affected veins and may cause pain and irritation. The affected area is hard, red, and often visible. Symptoms can interfere with sleep.
Superficial thrombophlebitis most commonly occurs in the legs or arms. Symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include:
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Redness and inflammation along the vein
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Throbbing or burning pain along the vein or just beneath the surface of the skin
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Fever, which may develop as a sign of inflammation
HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA
Clinical signs of hyperhomocysteinemia are similar to those seen with other clotting disorders. Reported rates of clotting events in cases of significant hyperhomocysteinemia include:
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Deep vein thrombosis (with or without pulmonary embolism): ~64%
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Superficial thrombophlebitis: ~24%
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Thrombosis of cerebral or intestinal veins: ~12%
Clotting signs and symptoms are often associated with other “triggering” factors, such as the use of oral contraception, trauma or surgery, pregnancy (both during and after), and immobilization.