Protein C Deficiency
Protein C Deficiency Causes
Protein C deficiency is caused by congenital biochemical anomalies. The deficiency can also be linked with other thrombotic disorders.
Protein C Deficiency Definition
Protein C deficiency is a rare and life-threatening disorder marked by an increased inclination to form blood clots, which places an increased risk to possible thrombosis.
Protein C Deficiency Diagnosis
Laboratory tests for thrombotic risk factors may be required such as antithrombin level and free Protein S level. Family and medical history is valuable in evaluating and assessing the relation of an individual's deficiency with the risk of having prothrombic disorder. Coagulation test like fibrinogen level and fibrin degradation D-dimer test can also be essential.
Protein C Deficiency Symptoms and Signs
Protein C deficiency in itself does not produce any symptom; however this deficiency can lead to the development of severe conditions including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, neonatal purpura fulminans, thrombophlebitis, warfarin-induced skin necrosis, and cirrhosis. The abovementioned conditions are responsible for the following symptoms: pain, swelling, tenderness, skin discoloration and ulceration are possible when deep vein thrombosis has developed; pulmonary embolism will produce symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, slight fever, rapid pulse, and coughing.
Protein C Deficiency Treatment
Treatment with anticoagulants is recommended for medical conditions at greater risks of forming blood clots in order to reduce the clotting ability of the blood so as to minimize the chances of dangerous blood clots to form in the blood vessels.