A 29-year-old patient has Factor V Leiden deficiency. Which of the following is NOT true about this condition?

Use of oral contraceptives significantly increases the risk of thrombosis in these patients
It increases the baseline risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
It is the most common inherited thrombophilia in the Caucasian population
It decreases clotting ability, leading to increased bleeding

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Correct answer: D. It decreases clotting ability, leading to increased bleeding

Factor V Leiden is a genetic mutation of the Factor V gene that makes Factor V resistant to inactivation by activated protein C (APC resistance). This results in INCREASED clotting tendency (hypercoagulability/thrombophilia), NOT decreased clotting. Patients are at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and other thrombotic events. Oral contraceptives independently increase thrombosis risk, and in combination with Factor V Leiden, the risk is dramatically increased (approximately 10-15 times normal). Factor V Leiden is the most common inherited thrombophilia in Caucasians (~5% prevalence). Oral contraceptives do NOT interfere with clot formation; they INCREASE the risk.

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A 29-year-old patient has Factor V Leiden deficiency. Which of the following is NOT true about this condition?

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