Deep vein thrombosis and systemic inflammatory response: a pilot trial.
BACKGROUND
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis as swelling, erythema, pain and calor have been suspected of being caused by an inflammatory reaction of the affected leg. We therefore performed a prospective pilot trial to study a possible systemic inflammatory response induced by deep vein thrombosis.


METHODS
We determined white blood cell count and plasma C-reactive protein in 100 consecutive patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis. The final diagnosis was based on the results of duplex sonography or ascending venography.


RESULTS
Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 37 patients (37%). White blood cell count (P = 0.012) and plasma C-reactive protein values (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis. There was no correlation of white blood cell count or C-reactive protein with the thrombotic burden or the duration of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with deep vein thrombosis, thrombus formation and consequent vein wall damage induce a systemic inflammatory reaction which is reflected by significantly increased levels of white blood cells and plasma C-reactive protein.
Reiter
Markus
M
Department of Angiology, University Clinic, General Hospital, Vienna, Austria. markus.reiter@akh-wien.ac.at
Bucek
Robert A
RA
Koca
Nihat
N
Dirisamer
Albert
A
Minar
Erich
E
D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010690:Phlebography; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
D002097:C-Reactive Protein