Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR gene mutations in inflammatory bowel disease

Thromboembolic events are more common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease than in the normal population; however, the reason for the increased prevalence is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations in IBD patients followed in our outpatient clinic. Thirty-four patients with ulcerative colitis and 28 patients with Crohn's disease and 80 healthy controls were included in the study. No patient had a history of previous thromboembolism. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR gene mutations were studied. Heterozygote factor V Leiden mutation was found in five (6.25%) control patients and in two (3.2%) IBD patients. Heterozygote MTHFR mutation was obtained in seven (11.3%) IBD patients and in five (6.25%) controls. Heterozygote prothrombin G20210A mutation was found in two (2.5%) and homozygote MTHFR mutation in one (1.25%) control patient. There was no statistical difference between the IBD group and healthy controls. Genetic mutations that could increase the thrombosis risk were not found to be different in IBD versus the normal population in our study.