THROMBOGENESIS

Thrombosis occurs when there is a breakdown in the balance between thr ombogenic factors and protective mechanisms. The thrombogenic factors may be exogenous (e.g. trauma, surgery), endogenous (e.g. cancer, vasc ular diseases) or both (e.g. atherosclerosis, complicated pregnancy). Defects in the protective mechanisms may be congenital (e.g. factor V R5D6Q-mutation, deficiency of protein C, protein S or antithrombin) or acquired (e.g. lupus anticoagulans, deficiency of antithrombin in nep hrosis). In recent years, research in thromboembolic diseases has been overwhelmed with new observations, rendering it worthwhile to put eff orts into the evaluation of thrombotic mechanisms in individuals suffe ring from or predisposed to thromboembolic diseases. Such efforts will pave the way for more effective prophylaxis in thrombosis-prone patie nts, more specific treatment of thrombotic diseases, and the mastering of recurrent thrombosis.