Hereditary defects in
one or more of the clotting factors can cause the formation of
potentially dangerous blood clots (thrombosis). Approximately 5-8% of
the U.S. population has one of these clotting disorders collectively
called thrombophilia, a propensity for blood clotting in which
a genetic defect can be identified that often results in thrombosis.
More than 60,000
Americans die each year from venous thromboembolism; in addition,
nearly half of patients with deep vein clots experience long-term
health consequences that adversely affect their quality of life.
Prevention activities
CDC is helping to
establish a network of thrombosis and
hemostasis centers to conduct epidemiologic research on
thrombosis and thrombophilia and promote the management, treatment,
and prevention of complications experienced by people with clotting
disorders.
CDC is conducting
laboratory work to identify genetic risk factors that predispose
persons to thrombophilia. Identifying these factors could help
prevent complications that result from clotting.
For
more information
Healthcare
Locate a hemostasis and thrombosis center
Publications
Summary of CDC April 2000 meeting on the factor V Leiden mutation
(33 KB)
Dowling NF. Beckman MG. Manco-Johnson M. Hassell K. Philipp CS.
Michaels LA. Moll S. Heit JA. Penner J. Kulkarni R. Pipe S.
Bockenstedt P. Andersen J. Crudder S. James AH. Zimmerman S. Ortel
TL. The U.S. Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers pilot sites program.
Journal of Thrombosis & Thrombolysis. 23(1):1-7, 2007. [full
text]
Dowling NF. Austin H. Dilley A. Whitsett C. Evatt BL. Hooper WC. The
epidemiology of venous thromboembolism in Caucasians and
African-Americans: the GATE Study. Journal of Thrombosis &
Haemostasis. 1(1):80-7, 2003. [full
text]
Hooper WC, Evatt BL. The role of
activated protein C resistance in the pathogenesis of venous
thrombosis. Am J Med Sci 1998;216:120-128.
Organizations
International Society on
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
National
Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia
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Date: November 21, 2005
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities