Homozygous antithrombin deficiency type II (99 Leu to Phe mutation) and childhood thromboembolism

S Kuhle1, D A Lane, K Jochmanns

  • 1Dept. of Paediatrics, Vienna University Hospital, Austria.

Insights

Homozygous antithrombin deficiency type II can cause severe thromboembolic events in children, even from one week of age. Genetic analysis is crucial for early diagnosis and management of this rare bleeding disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Genetics
  • Hematology
  • Thrombosis Research

Background:

  • Antithrombin deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that increases the risk of blood clots.
  • Type II deficiency specifically affects the heparin-binding site of antithrombin.
  • Homozygous deficiency is extremely rare and less understood than heterozygous forms.

Observation:

  • The study identified 5 children from 3 families with homozygous antithrombin deficiency type II (99 Leu to Phe mutation).
  • Four children experienced severe, spontaneous thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis, caval vein thrombosis, and ischemic stroke, at various ages from one week to 14 years.
  • One 17-year-old male patient with the same genetic mutation remained asymptomatic.

Findings:

  • Homozygous antithrombin deficiency type II can manifest with severe clinical symptoms early in life.
  • The specific mutation (99 Leu to Phe) impacts the heparin-binding site, leading to thrombotic events.
  • Asymptomatic presentation is possible despite homozygous deficiency, highlighting variability in disease expression.

Implications:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis of homozygous antithrombin deficiency is critical for preventing severe thrombotic events.
  • Genetic analysis is essential for confirming the diagnosis in suspected cases.
  • Long-term oral anticoagulation therapy should be considered for individuals diagnosed with this condition to mitigate thrombosis risk.

Related Concept Videos

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu01:29

Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu

Genetic variations significantly influence drug response through pharmacokinetics, receptor interactions, and biologic milieu modifications. Pharmacokinetic alterations impact drug metabolism and clearance, affecting efficacy and toxicity. Variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, alter drug activation and elimination. For example, CYP2C9 loss-of-function variants require lower warfarin doses to prevent excessive bleeding, while CYP2C19 variants reduce clopidogrel...
Lethal Alleles02:41

Lethal Alleles

Agouti: A Lethal Allele
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...