The evolution of cardiovascular (CV) medicine has flourished with advancements in our understanding of vascular biology, hemostasis, and thrombosis. Pharmacotherapies for the prevention and treatment of coronary atherothrombosis are the end results of several decades of investigation, highlighted by robust…
Introduction The first studies identifying what would eventually become known as antiphospholipid antibodies appeared in the 1950s, in patients with biologic false-positive tests for syphilis who also exhibited unusual coagulation test results consistent with the presence of a “circulating anticoagulant.”…
Introduction Thrombocytosis is defined as a platelet count greater than 450,000/µL, which is typically considered the upper limit of the normal laboratory reference range of 150,000 to 450,000 Thrombocytosis is most frequently detected as an incidental laboratory abnormality, and subsequently…
Synopsis Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). After an episode of proximal DVT, 20% to 50% of patients develop PTS and 5% to 10% of patients develop severe PTS, a condition that reduces…
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are the most commonly encountered examples of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Given the frequency of both DVT and PE, treatment is guided by the results of randomized clinical trials. DVT and PE are…
Epidemiology Venous thromboembolism (VTE), whose principal clinical manifestations include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The annual incidence of VTE has been estimated to be 104 to 183 per 100,000…
Introduction Compared with adults, children are relatively protected from venous and arterial thrombosis. Advances in the treatment and supportive care of critically ill children, along with heightened awareness of thrombotic complications, have resulted in an increase in the diagnosis of…
Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) poses a number of challenges and opportunities to the practicing hematologist. The duration of anticoagulation is a frequent reason for consultation because it poses difficult questions of risk and benefit. Although the practical frustrations of anticoagulation…
Introduction Viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections may all cause disturbances in hemostasis, which can eventually lead to thrombohemorrhagic complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), or even vasculitis. Symptoms and signs…
An enormous amount has been written about disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). During the 1970s and 1980s, it was rather fashionable to report yet another new and unique “cause” of DIC. However, over the past few decades, it has become increasingly…