Acquired Thrombophilias

Abstract

Acquired thrombophilias are common—this chapter discusses PNH, Behcet’s disease, nephrotic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and air travel. Acquired thrombophilias range from rare disorders such as Behçet’s disease to the very common initial presentation of malignancy. Acquired hypercoagulable states may present at any age. Patients with acquired disorders often present with a “flurry” of thromboses. While patients with congenital disorders may have two thromboses separated by years, the patient with an acquired thrombophilia may present with repeated thrombosis even on anticoagulant therapy. In some patients, thrombosis may be the first manifestation of the underlying disease. In many patients thrombosis is a well-recognized complication of the underlying disease.