Prevalence of pelvic vein thrombosis in women attending gynae clinic

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Prospective observational cross-sectional study of prevalence of pelvic vein thrombosis asymptomatic in women attending gynaecological outpatient clinics

• IRAS ID

  156669

• Contact name

  Davor Jurkovic

• Contact email

  davor.jurkovic@uclh.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University College London

• Research summary

  Venous thromboembolism is a potentially serious medical disorder. It is more common in older women and other predisposing factors include prolonged immobility, infection, cancer and surgery. The risk is also increased in younger women who are pregnant and in those who are using the combined oral contraceptive pill. Women may also develop isolated pelvic vein thrombosis, which is considered to be rare in non – pregnant women. Diagnosis of pelvic vein thrombosis is difficult due to non - specific symptoms and is usually made only after the thrombus extends into the veins of the lower limb. The prevalence of pelvic vein thrombosis, predisposing factors for its development, natural history, clinical significance and optimum management strategy are unknown.
  Our aim is to perform a prospective observational cross-sectional study of 6000 women to determine the prevalence and natural history of this rare condition. Gynaecologists trained in transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography will assess women referred to the gynaecology clinic. They will be asked to consent for the ultrasound scan as part of their routine assessment and involvement of the study if a thrombus is identified.
  Women diagnosed with uterine vein thrombi will be advised about the uncertainty regarding clinical significance of this condition. They will be offered a full thrombophilia screen. Those with abnormal findings will be referred to a Haematologist for review and assessment regarding further management including therapeutic anticoagulation. Women whose thrombophilia screen is negative will be offered another scan four weeks later to check for the resolution of the blood clot. Those with persistent clots will be seen again three and six months later. At that point a decision whether to continue with follow up or discharging them from the clinic will be made jointly with a consultant haematologist after counseling the patient regarding the implications of their diagnosis.

• REC name

  Wales REC 7

• REC reference

  14/WA/1149

• Date of REC Opinion

  18 Sep 2014

• REC opinion

  Unfavourable Opinion