Background: The Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is the commonest genetic abnormality associated with venous thromboembolism.
Aims: To determine the prevalence of the FVL mutation in Irish patients undergoing total hip replacement and whether it has an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE).
Methods: Prospective screening of 113 patients over 2 years. All had prophylaxis against thrombosis. Symptomatic DVT and PE were diagnosed with venography and ventilation-perfusion scans, respectively.
Results: The prevalence of the FVL mutation was 2%. Six patients (5.3%) developed a DVT/PE. Half of these had a history of venous thromboembolism (resulting in a higher risk of post operative DVT/PE (P = 0.04, Fischer's exact test) but none had the FVL mutation. Of the remaining 107 patients not developing DVT/PE, 2 had the FVL mutation (heterozygotes).
Conclusions: The prevalence of the FVL mutation was 2% but was not a risk factor for acute symptomatic DVT/PE.