Thrombotic disorders (part 2)

N A Alli; J Vaughan; S Louw; E Schapkaitz; B Jacobson

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2020.v110i3.14634

Continuing Medical Education

Thrombotic disorders (part 2)

N A Alli, J Vaughan, S Louw, E Schapkaitz, B Jacobson

Abstract

Thromboembolic conditions are a leading cause of mortality, estimated to account for 1 in 4 deaths worldwide in 2010. Over time, the incidence and mortality rates of these conditions have declined in developed countries, but are increasing in developing countries. A delicate balance exists between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors within the vascular system. Numerous acquired or inherited conditions may tip the balance either way, i.e. towards a prothrombotic or prohaemorrhagic state. Acquired thrombotic disorders are the subject of discussion in this issue, the second of a 2-part series on thrombophilia.

Authors' affiliations

N A Alli, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

J Vaughan, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

S Louw, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

E Schapkaitz, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

B Jacobson, Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa