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Factor V Leiden mutation, causing resistance to activated protein C, is the most common inherited predisposition to thrombosis known. It is associated with increased risks for primary and recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and with venous thrombosis during pregnancy and oral contraceptive use. This article reviews 93 articles published in English between 1993 and April 1997.
Factor V Leiden mutation occurs in 3% to 7% of healthy U.S. men and women. Rates are higher in whites and very low in Asian and African groups, whose VTE risk is also lower. The mutation may interact with factors such as OC use or hyperhomocysteinemia to increase relative VTE risks at least fourfold. A few small studies suggest that, in pregnancy, the mutation or res…