Protein C deficiency in splanchnic venous thrombosis.
Deficiencies of protein C activity and antigen were observed in eight consecutive patients with splanchnic venous thrombosis. There was a significant reduction in the ratio of protein C to factor X. Six of the eight patients had a decrease in antithrombin III, but free protein S antigen was within normal limits in all but two subjects. It is proposed that a thrombogenic stimulus such as stasis, altered hormonal milieu, or failure of hepatic clearance of activated coagulants results in consumption of protein C and antithrombin III, predisposing to splanchnic venous occlusion. This further impairs hepatic function, prevents restitution of protein C and antithrombin levels, and promotes continuing venous thrombosis. Thus, a vicious cycle of thrombosis and hepatic damage is perpetuated.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000990:Antithrombin III / Q000032:analysis; D005170:Factor X / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008641:Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / Q000097:blood*; D008642:Mesenteric Veins; D008875:Middle Aged; D020151:Protein C Deficiency; D017293:Protein S; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood*
D006023:Glycoproteins; D017293:Protein S; D000990:Antithrombin III; D005170:Factor X