Prevalence of Thrombophilia in Indian Patients with Deep Venous Thrombosis – An 8-Year Single-Center Study

Background: Thrombophilia is a recognized risk factor for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and its recurrence. Routine thrombophilia testing is controversial because of low yield and high cost. However, screening for thrombophilia helps in deciding the duration of anticoagulant treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of thrombophilia in DVT patients in India. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, prospective, observational study done from April 2012 to April 2020. Thrombophilia screening was done in DVT patients who were <40 years, with unprovoked DVT, or with recurrent DVT. Homocysteine, antithrombin III, protein C and S, factor V Leiden, and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) were assessed. Follow-up was done to assess post thrombotic syndrome (PTS), pulmonary embolism (PE), and recurrence of DVT. Results: One hundred and sixty-six patients selected for thrombophilia out of which 163 were males. Patients were ranging age from 35 to 70 years. 82 (49.4%) patients had abnormal thrombophilia. 66 had one abnormal factor, while 16 had more than one. A total of 102 abnormal factors found in 82 cases, of which 41 had hyperhomocysteinemia, 20 protein S deficiency, 12 protein C deficiency, 15 factor V Leiden mutations, 8 antithrombin III deficiency, and 6 LAC. 10.2% of patients developed PTS, 16.3% recurrence, 2% PE, and 0.3% mortality. Conclusion: DVT patients are at a substantial risk of recurrence. Although laboratory evaluation of thrombophilia is costly but it is essential for monitoring therapy in certain sets of patients. Identification of thrombophilic condition is worth and affects the overall standard clinical management. In our study we found prevalence of thrombophilia in about 50% of DVT patients who are <40 years, with unprovoked DVT or with recurrent DVT. Out of which hyperhomocysteinemia is most common. But more studies including RCTs are required for further clarifications.