Severe protein C deficiency in newborn infants.
Eleven infants initially seen in the neonatal period had levels of protein C suggestive of homozygous protein C deficiency but as an apparently acquired condition. Family studies failed to document parental carrier status, the clinical course was not typical of that reported with homozygous protein C deficiency, and protein C levels increased in all restudied infants, six of whom received heparin anticoagulation. No infant had evidence of vitamin K deficiency. Care is advised in the evaluation of infants with low levels of protein C. Parental blood studies, delayed testing, and serial assays can help to establish the correct diagnosis.
Manco-Johnson
M J
MJ
Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
Marlar
R A
RA
Jacobson
L J
LJ
Hays
T
T
Warady
B A
BA
D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011486:Protein C / Q000032:analysis; D020151:Protein C Deficiency; D011516:Prothrombin / Q000032:analysis; D014427:Twins
D011486:Protein C; D011516:Prothrombin; D006493:Heparin