ABSTRACT
In the past 3 decades, numerous biological abnormalities linked with deep venous thrombosis
have been described. Among the different possibilities, it is crucial to order tests
that can modify the therapeutic attitude towards the patient and/or his family. A
combined clinical and laboratory approach taking into account the history of the patient
and his family, the prevalence of the defects, and also the accuracy of the tests
should allow tailoring a laboratory testing program to each patient. It is essential
to keep in mind that the more difficult task is not to perform the tests but to consider
who will benefit from testing both for prevention and therapy of venous thromboembolism.
This article provides answers to some of these issues. These answers should, however,
be considered as tentative and provisional because new findings and study results
will certainly modify them in the near future.
KEYWORD
Thrombophilia - deep vein thrombosis - pulmonary embolism - guidelines