factor V Leiden

Pronunciation: li'den

Definition: variant of the protein factor V (5), a clotting factor. Factor V Leiden gene is present in 3% of the general population. People who carry the factor V Leiden gene have a fivefold greater risk of thrombosis than the rest of the population. The factor V mutation (factor V Leiden) is the most common genetic cause of venous thrombosis. The factor V Leiden mutation causes resistance to activated protein C, yielding a defect in the natural anticoagulation system.

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© Copyright 2018 Wolters Kluwer. All Rights Reserved. Review date: Sep 19, 2016.

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