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Published on: November 5, 2019
[A clinical and pathothysiological study of protein C in patients with generalized meningococcosis]
Abstract:
The clinical-and-pathogenetic significance of protein C was dynamically investigated within the infection processes in 23 patients (mean age 44 years) with meningococcemia. A reliably lower concentration of protein C in blood plasma (mean 37.8%) was registered versus the normal parameters (N = 70-130%) at exacerbation irrespective of a disease outcome. Leyden mutation was detected in 30.5% of patients. The presence of the above genetic defect denoted a predisposition to a severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome in patients of the studied group. A lower concentration of protein C was detected in blood plasma of patients with meningococcemia; it correlated with severity of the infection process and with the development of organic malfunction. The study of the concentration of protein C enabled an evaluation of the functional condition of anticoagulation mechanisms in the DIC development and can be regarded as an important extra criterion for the evaluation of thrombohemorrhagic syndrome in patients with meningococcemia.
Insights
Low protein C levels in meningococcemia patients indicate disease severity and risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Protein C monitoring aids in assessing anticoagulation and thrombohemorrhagic syndrome risk.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Meningococcemia is a severe bacterial infection.
- Protein C plays a crucial role in regulating blood coagulation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the clinical and pathogenetic significance of protein C in meningococcemia.
- To assess the correlation between protein C levels, disease severity, and complications like DIC.
Summary:
- A study of 23 meningococcemia patients revealed significantly lower protein C concentrations during exacerbation (mean 37.8%) compared to normal levels (70-130%).
- Leyden mutation was found in 30.5% of patients, predisposing them to severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
- Lower protein C levels correlated with increased infection severity and organ dysfunction, highlighting its role in evaluating thrombohemorrhagic syndrome.
Impact:
- Protein C concentration serves as a valuable indicator for assessing anticoagulation mechanisms and the risk of thrombohemorrhagic complications in meningococcemia.
- This research provides insights into the pathogenetic role of protein C in severe infections, aiding clinical management.
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