Factor V Leiden: prevalence and thromboembolic complications after total hip replacement in Ireland.
BACKGROUND
The Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is the commonest genetic abnormality associated with venous thromboembolism.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of the FVL mutation in Irish patients undergoing total hip replacement and whether it has an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE).


METHODS
Prospective screening of 113 patients over 2 years. All had prophylaxis against thrombosis. Symptomatic DVT and PE were diagnosed with venography and ventilation-perfusion scans, respectively.


RESULTS
The prevalence of the FVL mutation was 2%. Six patients (5.3%) developed a DVT/PE. Half of these had a history of venous thromboembolism (resulting in a higher risk of post operative DVT/PE (P = 0.04, Fischer's exact test) but none had the FVL mutation. Of the remaining 107 patients not developing DVT/PE, 2 had the FVL mutation (heterozygotes).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of the FVL mutation was 2% but was not a risk factor for acute symptomatic DVT/PE.
Bowler
D J M
DJ
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland.
Bale
E
E
O'Byrne
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005165:Factor V / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011300:Preoperative Care; D015995:Prevalence; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015996:Survival Rate; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*
D005819:Genetic Markers; C095381:factor V Leiden; D005165:Factor V