Osmosis: Thrombophebitis

Question 1

what is thrombophlebitis?

Answer 1

a blood clot that gets lodged in a vein and causes inflammation

normally the process start with damage to the endothelium, then there’s an immediate vasoconstriction which limits the blood flow

then there’s platelets that adhere to damaged vessel and get activated by collagen and TF from the tunica media; platelets then recruit additional platelets to form platelet plug = primary hemostasis –> then coagulation cascade is activated and a hard clot at the site of the injury is formed

as the clot grows, blood flow decreases and pressure increases – the clot might start naturally breaking down = D-dimer levels increase

Question 2

what 3 factors lead to thrombosis?

Answer 2

Virchow’s traid

1. slow blood flow
2. hypercoagulation (genetic or acquired reasons)
3. damage to endothelial cell lining

Question 3

where does thrombophlebitis occur?

Answer 3

superficial veins = thromboplebitis

deep veins = thrombosis

site of IV insertion that’s been there for days or weeks

Question 4

which conditions increase thrombophlebitis risk?

Answer 4

1. Trousseau syndrome = pancreatic cancer

2. Mondor’s disease = in the breast

Question 5

what are the complications of thrombophlebitis?

Answer 5

thrombophlebitis can get infected or an infection can cause thromboplebitis

commonly caused by staphylococcus aureus

Question 6

symptoms of thrombophlebitis?

Answer 6

1. pain
2. swelling
3. redness
4. warmth
5. vein hardening
6. fevers or shock if there’s septic thrombophlebitis

Question 7

how do you diagnose thrombophlebitis?

Answer 7

1. ultrasound
2. venography
3. D-dimer test

Question 8

how do you treat thrombophlebitis?

Answer 8

small clots may resolve on their own but larger clots need intervention

1. thrombolytic enzymes
2. thrombectomy

Question 9

how do you prevent thrombophlebitis?

Answer 9

1. warfarin
2. heparin

prevent clot formation by inhibiting coagulation cascade

3. compression stockings
4. calf exercises