Everyone Healthy Library
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
Connected health information
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Condition overview
Attributes
Commonalityis rare
Incidenceis approximately 1 in 5,000 people
Linked signs and symptoms
7Each sign/symptom opens its own page and links back to related conditions.
Linked drugs / medications
5Medication information is educational only. A doctor or pharmacist should advise whether any medicine is appropriate.
Treatments, therapies and supportive options
4Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.
Surgery
1Medical therapy
1Behavioural changes
1Linked diagnostic tests and investigations
10These are pulled from both EH diagnostic-test link tables, including the older large test-link table.
- Activated Coagulation Time (ACT)
- Antithrombin 111 (AT-111) Activity Test
- Coagulation Factor Assay (Blood Clotting Factors)
- D-Dimer Blood Test
- Fibrin Degradation Products (FDPs, Fibrin Split Products, FSPs, Fibrin Breakdown Products, Fbps)
- Fibrin Monomers Test
- Fibrinopeptide A (FPA) Action Assay
- Plasminogen Activity
- Protein C (PC ANtigen)
- Protein S Concentration
Biological and test markers
10This visual map uses existing EH database links to show biological agents and lab markers reported as increased, decreased, or associated with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.
Often increased
4- D-DimerReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 0–240 µg/LLinked diagnostic tests1D-Dimer Blood Test
- Fibrin MonomersReference range example0–10,000 µg/LLinked diagnostic tests1Fibrin Monomers Test
- Fibrin Split ProductsReference range exampleAll: 0–1 mg/dLLinked diagnostic tests1Fibrin Degradation Products (FDPs, Fibrin Split Products
- Fibrinopeptide A (FPA)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 0.7–3.1 mg/mL; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 0.35–2.5 mg/mLLinked diagnostic tests1Fibrinopeptide A (FPA) Action Assay
Often decreased
6- Antithrombin 111 (AT-111)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 90–110 %Linked diagnostic tests1Antithrombin 111 (AT-111) Activity Test
- Coagulation Bleeding TimeReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 65–110 secondsLinked diagnostic tests1Activated Coagulation Time (ACT)
- Factor V (Labile Factor, Proaccelerin, Percentage of Normal Value)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 50–150 %Linked diagnostic tests1Coagulation Factor Assay (Blood Clotting Factors)
- PlasminogenReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 65–153 %; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 70–120 %Linked diagnostic tests1Plasminogen Activity
- Protein CReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 70–150 %Linked diagnostic tests1Protein C (PC ANtigen)
- Protein SReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 50–120 %; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 55–120 %Linked diagnostic tests1Protein S Concentration
Other associated markers
0No markers in this group.
Introduction / full article
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to a condition when a blood clot or thrombus is formed in a deep vein situated frequently in the leg which can cause pain and swelling. Most cases resolve spontaneously however some lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism which can be fatal. [1] [2]
Epidemiology
The condition is becoming increasingly prevalent. Indeed, it has been estimated that 80 cases per 100,000 are recorded each year. DVT is a top cause of morbidity and death among patients admitted in hospitals particularly bedridden ones. Most of the affected people have age greater than 40 years old. Males have a higher risk. People belonging to the Asian and Hispanic race have relatively lower risk of developing the condition. [2]
Causes
Blood clots may form due to a variety of reasons. Most often, it is due to an alteration in the blood flow in the veins. A person gets a higher chance of developing DVT when he or she has a relative who also had blood clots, has been in a prolonged bedrest, has fractures along the leg or pelvic area, has given birth within the last six months, has undergone a surgical procedure recently particularly in the hip, knee or pelvis, has been sitting for long hours such as during a travel and if he has a pacemaker catheter that has been inserted via a vein located in the groin. Also being obese, cigarette smoking and taking contraceptive pills are considered risk factors. An individual also is more predisposed to develop clotting problems when he or she has medical diseases such as cancer and autoimmune illnesses. [3]
Signs and Symptoms
More often than not, large veins in the legs are affected and the condition typically involves just one side of the body. The affected area may appear red and swollen. When touched, it feels warm and often there is accompanying pain. [3]
Diagnosis
The patient’s medical history is obtained and a physical exam is performed. Laboratory exams that may be done include D-dimer blood test and doppler ultrasound exam. [3]
Treatment
Heparin is classically given. This may be prescribed together with another drug called warfarin. The patient may be asked to wear pressure stockings to improve blood flow and avert potential complications.
References:
1. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Deep-vein-thrombosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
2. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1911303-overview#aw2aab6b2b2
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000156.htm