Biomarkers and Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a significant health concern because of its high morbidity and mortality and is moreover characterized by high rates of recurrence. It would be useful to know biomarkers that enable early identification of patients at high or low risk of primary and recurrent VTE. Various established and novel biomarkers associated with VTE have been investigated with regard to their potential for predicting primary or recurrent VTE, for facilitating the diagnosis and for optimizing the clinical management of VTE. In this review, data on selected biomarkers (D-Dimer, soluble P-selectin, coagulation factor VIII, inflammatory markers and thrombin generation) having procoagulant properties or reflecting a prothrombotic state are summarized, and their role in clinical application is discussed. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009;29:332-336.)