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Activated protein C resistance in deep venous thrombosis

Nikhil Agrawal1, Sanjeev Kumar, Puneet

  • 1Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of General Surgery, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Annals of Vascular Surgery
|January 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Activated protein C (APC) resistance, a common inherited thrombophilia, was found in 43.5% of lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) patients in Northeast India. This high prevalence suggests APC resistance testing is crucial for DVT patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Hematology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Inherited thrombophilias are significant risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
  • Activated protein C (APC) resistance, often caused by Factor V Leiden, is the most common inherited thrombophilia.
  • Previous studies indicated low APC resistance prevalence in Asian and African populations, contrasting with Caucasians.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of APC resistance in patients with lower limb DVT in Northeast India.
  • To assess the clinical significance of APC resistance in this specific demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-three patients with confirmed lower limb DVT (diagnosed via duplex ultrasonography) were enrolled.
  • APC resistance was tested using the STA Staclot APC-R system according to manufacturer guidelines.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of APC resistance was observed, with 10 out of 23 patients (43.5%) testing positive.
  • This finding contrasts with previous studies suggesting a low prevalence in Asian populations.

Conclusions:

  • Activated protein C (APC) resistance, previously considered rare in certain populations, demonstrates a high prevalence in patients with DVT from Northeast India.
  • Routine estimation of APC resistance is recommended for all patients diagnosed with DVT, particularly in this region.

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