Factor V Leiden as a common genetic risk factor for venous thromboembolism.
OBJECTIVE
To increase nurses' knowledge of the Factor V Leiden (FVL) genetic trait for venous thromboembolism.


METHODS
An overview of the history, prevalence, and predisposition of the FVL genetic mutation, including who should be tested and how and in what circumstances people with FVL should be treated.


RESULTS
FVL is the most commonly recognized genetic trait associated with venous thrombosis. It is found predominantly in Caucasian populations. Biochemically it causes "activated protein C resistance (APCR)." The decision to test for FVL depends on whether the information gained will potentially improve the health care of the person or family. For people who have had deep venous thrombosis, testing for FVL will likely not alter treatment approaches. Currently the advantage for testing is primarily limited to asymptomatic family members who carry FVL and who have had deep vein thrombosis. Close relatives who also carry the mutated gene might benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation when their risk of thrombosis is increased by temporary factors such as surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses are in a unique position to provide accurate information and counseling when patients and their family members are presented with the results of thrombophilia testing.
Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda 20892, USA. mccloskd@mail.nih.gov
McDonald K
MK
Horne
Donna Jo
DJ
McCloskey
D020016:Activated Protein C Resistance / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005165:Factor V / Q000235:genetics*; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005820:Genetic Testing; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D010375:Pedigree; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000925:Anticoagulants; C095381:factor V Leiden; D005165:Factor V