The Role of Genetics in the Risk of Thromboembolism: Prothrombin 20210A and Oral Contraceptive Therapy

Keywords

venous thromboembolism, oral contraceptive therapy, primary care practice, nursing

Abstract

Purpose

To provide an overview of the prothrombin 20210A mutation, its effects on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in users of oral contraceptive therapy (OCT), and screening recommendations for the primary care practice setting.

Data Sources

Several databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Cochrane Library, and SciSearch, were searched for articles published between 1996 and 2003. An integrative review of studies addressing prothrombin 20210A was done using available case‐series and case‐control studies. No randomized controlled trials on prothrombin 20210A were available in the literature from the years searched.

Conclusions

Prothrombin 20210A increases the risk of developing a VTE for those who carry the genetic mutation. The presence of either concomitant circumstantial factors (e.g., surgery or immobilization) or a combination of genetic factors (e.g., factor V Leiden and prothrombin 20210A) raises the frequency of VTEs to an even greater extent. The risk increases exponentially in users of OCT. Screening guidelines for the use of OCT in prothrombin 20210A carriers remain unclear due to the paucity of empirical evidence related to the topic.

Implications for Practice

Practitioners caring for a prothrombin 20210A carrier should maintain a high degree of suspicion with even vague signs or symptoms of a possible VTE. Practitioners should consider completing a full diagnostic workup for VTE on that patient, particularly if that patient is taking OCT. Until evidence becomes available as to the best anticoagulation practice after an initial or recurrent VTE in a prothrombin 20210A carrier, standard treatment guidelines for anticoagulation should be followed.

Original Publication Citation

Welker, G. C., Lookinland, S., Tiedeman, M. E., & Beckstrand, R. L. (2004). The role of genetics in the risk of thromboembolism: prothrombin 20210A and oral contraceptive therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 16(3), 106-116.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2005-05-24

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8032

Publisher

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Language

English

College

Nursing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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