THE POSTTHROMBOTIC SYNDROME IN YOUNG-WOMEN - RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATIONOF PROGNOSTIC FACTORS

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTSI in young women may cause impairment in the quality of life of otherwise healthy people. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of PTS and its risk factors in young women. We evaluate d 51 women with at least one previous episode or symptomatic. objectiv ely documented deep vein thrombosis (DVT) before the age of 40. Each p atient asked for symptoms had a physical examination. a color-coded Do ppler ultrasonography of the superficial and deep venous system and an extensive laboratory evaluation for the congenital and acquired coagu lation abnormalities predisposing to thrombosis. The median follow-up was 47 months. PTS was absent in 37%, mild in 55%. moderate in 4% and severe in 4% of patients. No correlation was found between PTS and the presence of coagulation abnormalities, triggering factors. recurrence s, use of elastic stockings for one year after DVT, degree of recanali zation, presence of superficial reflux. Patients with a body mass inde x (BMI) > 22 had an adjusted ratio of 4.7 (98 CI: 1.0-23.3) of develop ing the PTS. Though severe and moderate PTS are rare. mild PTS is pres ent in the majority of young women after DVT. A BMI > 22 is associated to the risk of developing PTS. Attempt to control weight in women aft er DVT should be considered and studied to prevent PTS.