Evidence-based approach to thrombophilia testing

Thrombophilia can be identified in about half of all patients presenting with VTE. Testing has increased tremendously for various indications, but whether the results of such tests help in the clinical management of patients has not been settled. I use evidence from observational studies to conclude that testing for hereditary thrombophilia generally does not alter the clinical management of patients with VTE, with occasional exceptions for women at fertile age. Because testing for thrombophilia only serves limited purpose this should not be performed on a routine basis

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of adaptation to recurrent venous thrombosis and heritable thrombophilia - The importance of multi-causal models and perceptions of primary and secondary control

Venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) is a serious, life-threatening condition and a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Heritable thrombophilia increases risk of recurrent VTE. The present study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore adaptation to recurrent VTE and heritable thrombophilia in six female patients. Three main themes were identified focusing on: (1) patients' multi- causal models of VTE and the maintenance of; (2) primary control; and (3) secondary control as facilitators of adjustment. Overall, genetic testing following recurrent VTE did not have a negative impact on patients. One area of concern, however, related to passing on the susceptibility to children