title: Severe protein C deficiency in newborn infants.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Manco-Johnson
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Marlar
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hays
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Warady
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D011486:Protein C; D011516:Prothrombin; D006493:Heparin