Deep Vein Thrombosis ( DVT )

VTE ( Venous thromboembolism ) is a condition in which blood clot ( thrombus ) forms in a vein. It most commonly occurs in the deep veins of the legs - called DVT. The thrombus may dislodge from its site of origin to travel in the blood - called embolism ( NICE 2010 )

VTE is a multicausal disease , the result of coincidence of several risk factors- as-Inherent to the individual and may be inherited - eg thrombophilia .Inherent to the individual and can be acquired egObesityCancerCertain drugs Result of an inter-current illness or procedure , or other cause of temporary reduced mobility eg following major trauma or surgery , serious medical disorder , pregnancy or long-haul travel

Risk factors- Age > 60 yrs Obesity 2 to 3 fold increase if BMI > 30 kg/m2 Varicose veins 1.5 to 2.5 fold risk after major general/ ortho surgery Family h/o VTE Thrombophilias Other thrombotic states cancer heart failure recent MI/ stroke metabolic syndrome severe acute infection chronic HIV infection inflammatory bowel disease nephrotic syndrome myeloproliferative disease paraproteinaemia Bechet's disease paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease .Combined oral contraceptive Oral oestrogen HRT Raloxifene and tamoxifen Pregnancy Puerperium...