Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: Their prevention by oral anticoagulants

Abstract

The authors present aspects of laboratory research relevant to the current management of venous thromboembolism. It is their belief that venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are basically a disease the latter being the most serious complication of the former. Some predisposing factors include: 1) pregnancy and the puerperium during which pressure from a gravid uterus can cause deep vein thrombosis and blood changes including an increase of plasma fibrinogen and of factor 8 can cause problems; and 2) oral contraceptive use during which certain hormones may influence thrombogenesis increase distensibility of veins in the upper and lower limbs and cause changes in blood coagulation and platelet levels especially when estrogen preparations are used. Other topics covered include: mechanisms of venous thrombosis clinical features phlebography pathology of pulmonary embolism radiology and lung scanning in diagnosis prevention medical treatment oral and surgical treatment and chronic venous insufficiency.