BY: Lori B. Hornsby, PharmD, BCPS, Assistant Clinical Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy
Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacist
*Financial disclosures: none declared
Introduction
In 1856 Virchow described changes in the composition of blood that were later termed a hypercoagulable state. This was identified as one of the primary factors responsible for thrombosis formation. Today the term “thrombophilia” is used to describe disorders that affect normal hemostasis, shifting the balance toward thrombus formation. Thrombophilia may be inherited or acquired. Inherited thrombophilia includes factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A mutation, deficiencies in natural anticoagulants (protein C, -S, and antithrombin), hyperhomocysteinemia, and elevations in factors VIII, IX, and XI. Acquired disorders include antiphospholipid antibodies as well as certain causes of activated protein C deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia. Inherited thrombophilias are independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism although their role in arterial events is not as well established. Antiphospholipid antibodies have been shown to increase the risk of both venous and arterial events as well as pregnancy related complications. Thrombophilia status does not affect the treatment of VTE in non-pregnant individuals. Although often conducted in clinical practice, the utility of routine thrombophilia screening has been questioned. The incidence, mechanisms, and implications of each disorder will be discussed in the article below in addition to considerations for treatment and screening for the various thrombophilia.
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Occult cancers are frequent in patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) and approximately 10% of patients with unprovoked VTE will be diagnosed with cancer within one year of their thrombotic event. A “limited” occult cancer screening (medical history taking, physical examination, routine laboratory blood tests and a chest-X ray) detects a large proportion of these occult malignancies. A more extensive occult cancer screening strategy (computed tomography, ultrasound, tumor markers, etc) seems to increase the number of cancers detected. However, current evidence does not support improvements in malignancy-related mortality, morbidity or quality of life with an extensive cancer screening strategy. Further clinical trials are required to assess the risks and benefits of a comprehensive screening program in patients with unprovoked VTE.
ABSTRACT: 
In June 2008, when I first woke up with a pain in back of my right leg, I assumed it was a pulled muscle. And although I was a bit bewildered by it, I tried not to worry. However, as the days progressed, it became more painful, achy, and tender; walking became increasingly difficult.
Increasing media coverage of thrombosis is essential towards improving overall public awareness, enhancing policy advocacy and cultivating funding for medical research. Unfortunately, the media tends to pay very little attention to thrombosis. Studies analyzing health journalism show that the media’s most frequently covered health topics center around the conditions of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and autism. So if thrombosis is a common medical condition, why isn’t there more media coverage? 
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a common medical condition but often overlooked by the medical community. Manifestations of CVI are a result of longstanding venous hypertension due to chronic venous obstruction or venous valvular reflux. Most patients present with symptoms of leg heaviness, aching, cramps, itching, tingling, restless leg, swelling, fatigue, pruritus and skin changes. Skin changes in the extremities range from dilated veins (small reticular veins, teleangiectases and varicose veins) to edema, hyperpigmentation, fibrosis and ulceration. Complications include cellulitis and venous ulcers. Treatment is aimed at reducing venous pooling, either with conservative measures initially, or with endovascular interventions if disabling symptoms persist. Compression therapy using short-stretch bandages and then graded compression garments are the mainstay of therapy. Skin and wound care is of paramount importance in preventing more serious complications.
My name is Jassmin Robinson and I am a 14-year old female from Ohio. I was correctly diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) on January 1, 2008. MTS is a disease caused when the left iliac vein is compressed by the right iliac artery, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis in the left extremity. This is my story:
The purpose of this discussion is to examine new trends in how vitamin K may be used to modulate the control of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) in warfarin-treated patients. Specifically, the following areas will be addressed; the use of vitamin K to:
Two years ago I experienced a nearly life-terminating series of pulmonary emboli. As a preventive cardiologist I surely should have seen the signs. In this article I share my somewhat embarrassing yet illuminating story, as a case report of what many of us might come upon, but overlook in our own daily practices. Before doing so, let me set the stage with a few sobering statistics and comments that will establish deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) as the underrecognized, underappreciated, and sorely undertreated disorders they are.
