[Laboratory testing for venous thromboembolism].

Abstract

Evaluation of inherited thrombophilia in patients with venous thromboembolism includes testing for functional activity of antithrombin, protein C and protein S, and resistance to activated protein C (factor V Leiden), which can be assessed with plasma and DNA-based assays. The antiphospholipid syndrome is an acquired disorder related to the development of antibodies against phospholipid-protein complexes. Testing for the antiphospholipid syndrome includes measurement of antibodies to phospholipid-protein complexes by immunoassay or by detecting interference of anti-phospholipid antibodies in sensitive phospholipid-based assays. Other genetic risk factors have been listed, including a common polymorphism in prothrombin gene (3'-untranslated region) related to an increase of prothrombin level (> 115%) and a common polymorphism in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (enzyme involved in homocysteine metabolism) gene related to a mild increase of homocysteine blood level. More recently high plasmatic levels of factor VIII (> 150%) or factor XI (> 120%), not related so far to a molecular defect, have been identified as risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. As a candidate gene, factor XIII gene polymorphisms are under investigation. Beside the acquired or genetic risk factors involved in thrombophilia, the gene-environment interactions are of importance in the onset of thrombosis.