Risks & Symptoms of Thrombosis
A High Risk of DVT
A risk of hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can often produce pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially fatal condition.1
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of DVT and PE
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Most DVT are asymptomatic and undetected
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Most PE are asymptomatic
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| Symptoms are nonspecific aching pain/tenderness along veins in the arms and legs |
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Symptoms are often nonspecific, varying in frequency and intensity |
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| Edema, erythema, low-grade fever |
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Most common signs of PE are tachycardia and tachypnea; less common are hypotension, large heart sounds, wheezing |
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Large emboli cause acute dyspnea, chest pain; less commonly cough and/or hemoptysis |
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Massive emboli cause hypotension, syncope, or cardiac arrest |
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While hereditary AT deficiency is one of the least common hereditary clotting disorders, it presents the greatest risk.4
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More than 85% of individuals with hereditary AT deficiency will have at least one thrombotic episode by age 50 years5 |
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Thrombosis will recur in about 60% of patients with hereditary AT deficiency5 |
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In many cases, no precipitating factor can be identified for thrombosis or pulmonary embolism5 |
From another perspective, the prevalence of hereditary AT deficiency is higher in patients with recurrent venous thrombosis. A study of 752 patients with recurrent venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism found6:
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54 patients (7.18%) had an antithrombin activity below the normal range |
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27 (50%) of these 54 had probable or proven hereditary AT deficiency |
References:
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Ramzi DW, Leeper KV. DVT and pulmonary embolism: part II. Treatment and prevention. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69:2841-2848.
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| 2. |
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Schindler ST, Short SC. Cardiovascular disorders: deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In: Porter RS, ed; Kaplan JL, sr asst ed; Lane KAG, exec ed; Steigerwald MA, staff ed. The Merck Manual Online Medical Library for Healthcare Professionals. 18th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories. Division of Merck & Co., Inc.; 2006-2007.
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| 3. |
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Schindler ST, Short SC. Pulmonary disorders: pulmonary embolism. In: Porter RS, ed; Kaplan JL, sr asst ed; Lane KAG, exec ed; Steigerwald MA, staff ed. The Merck Manual Online Medical Library for Healthcare Professionals. 18th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories. Division of Merck & Co., Inc.; 2006-2007.
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| 4. |
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Franchini M, Veneri D, Salvagno GL, Manzato F, Lippi G. Inherited thrombophilia. Crit Rev Clin Lab. 2006;43:249-290.
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| 5. |
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Thrombate III [prescribing information]. Research Triangle Park, NC; Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc.; 2006.
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| 6. |
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Vikydal R, Korninger C, Kyrle PA, et al. The prevalence of hereditary antithrombin-III deficiency in patients with a history of venous thromboembolism. Thromb Haemost. 1985;54:744-745.
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Important Safety Information
Thrombate III therapy has demonstrated a low occurrence of side effects. In clinical studies with Thrombate III, the most common side effects were dizziness, chest tightness, nausea, and a foul taste in the mouth. As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents, such as viruses, cannot be totally eliminated. Individuals who receive infusions of blood or blood plasma may develop signs and/or symptoms of some viral infections, particularly hepatitis C.
Please see full Prescribing Information for Thrombate III.
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