Venous thrombembolism, thrombophilic defects, combined oral contraception and anticoagulation

Several genetic polymorphisms increase the risk for venous thrombembolism (VTE). In particular, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are known to enhance the risk for VTE and are therefore contraindicated. We present here the case of a patient with protein S deficiency, who has used COCs together with anticoagulatory therapy (Phenprocoumon) after suffering from deep venous thromboses for 4 years. At the time of her first consultation at our clinic, the ultrasound examination showed a complete involution of her venous thrombosis. COCs can be used in patients with thrombogenic mutations and anticoagulatory therapy in individual cases.