Two mutations have been identified that predispose
heterozygous carriers to venous thrombosis. One is a
mutation localised to the Factor V gene (Factor V Leiden
mutation, VL) and is the most common cause of familial
thrombosis. The second is the gene for prothrombin. The
carrier frequency in caucasian men is 5.5% and in
caucasian women is 4.8%. A report of
three babies with hemiplegic cerebral palsy who were
heterozygous for the Factor V Leiden mutation
has prompted current research in
this area. In the three cases reported, there was a suggestion
that placental thrombosis, or neonatal stroke, may have
occurred and resulted in hemiplegia. There appears to be an
association between inflammatory mediators and markers
of autoimmune and coagulation disorders with cerebral
palsy.