title: Protein C, protein S and C4b-binding protein in neonatal severe infection and septic shock.
abstract: We have studied the behaviour of total protein S, free protein S, protein C and C4b-binding protein fifteen neonates with severe infections, eight with septic shock and in a group of ten healthy newborns. Protein C was decreased in shock and septic patients, but only the shock group showed significant differences compared to normal neonates. Total protein S was normal in both groups of patients, although free protein S had significantly lower values in shock and nonshock infants. C4b-binding protein was higher than normal in septic and shock patients compared to the control group. Decreased values of protein C and free protein S can be explained by the activation of coagulation and their subsequent consumption. On the other hand, the increased levels of C4b-binding protein can affect the distribution of protein S in plasma, producing a shift in protein S to the complexed inactive form. These findings can contribute to an increased risk of microthrombosis during neonatal sepsis.
authors.affiliation: Hematology Department, Reina Sofia Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Román
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Velasco
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Villalba
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rubio
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Torres
mesh_terms: D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D003169:Complement Inactivator Proteins; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011486:Protein C / Q000378:metabolism*; D017293:Protein S; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood*; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D003169:Complement Inactivator Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins; D011486:Protein C; D017293:Protein S