Prothrombotic Fibrin Clot Phenotype in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A New Risk Factor for Recurrence

Figure 1

Factors that modify normal plasma fibrin clot phenotype to prothrombotic phenotype. A plasma fibrinogen concentration is a major determinant of clot properties. The larger fibrinogen concentrations, the denser fibrin networks. Alterations to fibrinogen function could be genetically determined and acquired largely associated with posttranslational modifications, for example, glycation or homocysteinylation. Environmental factors have a larger impact on clot phenotype and lysability, largely related to enhanced inflammation and thrombin generation observed in several common chronic diseases, including cancer and rheumatic disorders that represent well-established risk factors for venous thrombosis. COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; APS, antiphospholipid syndrome.