Children's Hospital Boston  300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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Clinical Services (Thrombosis Program and Anticoagulation Service):
About Thrombophilia
Thrombophilia is a condition that increases the tendency to develop excessive and dangerous blood clots that can lead to loss of blood supply and severe tissue damage. If left untreated, long-term problems may occur. The name "thrombophilia" was coined as an "opposite" of hemophilia, a disorder that prevents the blood from clotting.

Thrombophilia may be inherited or acquired due to lifestyle or medical conditions. The most common genetic condition that can cause thrombophilia is Factor V Leiden which is a mutation in the factor V gene. The second most common is the prothrombin gene 20210A mutation. Other inherited causes include Protein C, Protein S, or antithrombin III deficiencies.

Factors that may increase risk of developing a thrombus are:

  • Smoking
  • Oral contraceptive use
  • Immobility
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Trauma
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