Protein C antigen deficiency and warfarin necrosis.
Recent reports have suggested a correlation between congenital protein C deficiency and tissue necrosis complicating oral anticoagulants (warfarin necrosis). The authors studied blood samples of 13 patients, obtained two weeks to more than six months after warfarin necrosis. Protein C antigen levels were assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (Diagnostica Stago, France). Factors II, VII, IX, and X were assayed by functional methods, and IX and X additionally by immunologic methods. The results show that 11 of 13 patients with a history of tissue necrosis had low protein C levels, ranging from 23 to 69%, with the normal range being 70-140%. These results confirm that low protein C antigen levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of warfarin necrosis.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011486:Protein C / Q000032:analysis; D020151:Protein C Deficiency; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D011486:Protein C; D014859:Warfarin