There are two types of thrombophilia: genetic and acquired. A defective gene from our parents usually transmits genetic thrombophilia. Occasionally, the gene defect (mutation) that causes thrombophilia may appear for the first time in a child whose parents do not carry the gene (de novo mutation). Acquired thrombophilia is the result of an immune system malfunction, which causes the production of anti-bodies that interfere with the clotting mechanism. The most common acquired thrombophilia is the one caused by antiphospholipid antibodies.
