Up close and personal with deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis - the formation of clots in one of the body's deep veins (usually in the lower extremities) - develops as a result of vascular damage to the vein wall, venous stasis, and hypercoagulability (Virchow's triad). Among the many problems it can cause, the condition can escalate the challenge of healing a chronic wound. If a patient presents with pain, swelling, warmth, muscle cramps, and/or redness, the clinician should consider deep vein thrombosis, even if the patient does not initially appear to be at risk. Because approximately 2 million Americans have deep vein thrombosis every year (including otherwise healthy adults, the elderly, and persons with and without a history of venous insufficiency), prompt attention to symptoms is warranted. Diagnosis takes into consideration risk factors such as hypercoagulability, estrogen contraception, and Factor V Leiden mutation and is confirmed via compression ultrasonography and duplex ultrasound. Management includes anticoagulation therapy and thrombolytic therapy; prevention focuses on avoiding long periods of sitting, wearing compression hose when necessary and, for persons at risk, prophylactic anticoagulant therapy. Prescribed bedrest as a result of deep vein thrombosis provided one clinician/patient who did not consider herself to be at risk the opportunity to explore the condition in depth.
Parnell
Laura K S
LK
Precision Consulting, Missouri City, TX 77459-3083, USA. l-parnell@earthlink.net
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects; D005165:Factor V; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; C095381:factor V Leiden; D005165:Factor V