Journal of medicine and life
-
During the past decade idiopathic venous thromboembolism has become a separate entity, a chronic illness which has required prolonged anticoagulation and other prevention strategies to avoid recurrences. This article reviews recent developments regarding unprovoked venous thromboembolism and its relation with thrombophilia. In the beginning, the latest definition of idiopathic venous thromboembolism is presented. ⋯ Some characteristics of the antiphospholipid syndrome are worth presenting: the risk of both venous and arterial thrombosis, the high risk of thrombotic recurrence and the diversity of antiphospholipid antibodies. Patients experiencing idiopathic venous thromboembolic event have a great risk of recurrence, and highly benefit from long time anticoagulation. Natural coagulation inhibitors deficiencies, homozygous factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A and the antiphospholipid syndrome, increase the risk of first venous thrombosis and their recurrences and require adequate prevention.