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Thrombosis in the foot of a baby
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Thrombosis is the process of how blood clots. When blood changes from liquid to solid, it becomes a clot. Usually when a hematologist (i.e. a doctor who studies blood diseases) refers to thrombosis or pathologic thrombosis, it is meant that the body makes blood clots in blood vessels that are not broken. This leads to a block in blood flow. Thrombosis is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Thrombosis or blood clots can be caused by genetic or acquired conditions.
- Genetic conditions, such as:
- Certain medications, especially birth control pills
- Having a catheter or port in a blood vessel - known as a central venous catheter
- Cancer
- Surgery or trauma
- Prolonged travel (more than 8 hours)
- Immobilization
When a child is diagnosed with thrombosis, they will usually experience one or more factors listed above. Patients may have thrombophilia if a genetic or acquired condition results in a blood clot. Thrombophilia is a significant health condition as it may cause a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism.
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