Jun 18 2009
Genetic Testing for Leg Blood Clots Does Not Improve Outcomes
According to a news release on June 16th by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and published in the current issue of JAMA, there is no proof that genetic testing can help prevent blood clots in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis, DVTs, are blood clots which form in the veins of the legs. The real danger is when the blood clots break off and travel in the veins up to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Previous studies of gene mutations have found that Factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin G20210A increase the risk of developing blood clots. Testing individuals at risk for blood clots for these two gene mutations is common, but a review of research by the AHRQ found that genetic testing does not prevent deep vein thrombosis nor does it improve patient outcomes. The researchers compiled data based on 46 studies which assessed the rate of DVTs in individuals with a history of DVT and who were tested for either of the gene mutations.
The results showed that individuals with the Factor V Leiden mutation were at higher risk for deep vein thrombosis, but there was no increased risk with the mutation prothrombin G20210A. Testing for either gene mutation was not linked with improved patient outcomes nor prevention of the blood clots.
Segal JB et al. Predictive Value of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin G20210A in Adults With Venous Thromboembolism and in Family Members of Those With a Mutation. A Systematic Review. JAMA. 2009;301(23):2472-2485.
