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[Protein C deficiency and pregnancy. Apropos of 2 case reports]
P Gaucherand1, H J Clément, M C Trzeciak
1Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon.
Insights
Protein C deficiency increases the risk of blood clots, especially during pregnancy. Early screening in families with a history of thrombosis is recommended for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Protein C, a vitamin K-dependent serum protein, plays a crucial role in preventing venous thrombosis.
- Deficiency in Protein C, either inherited or acquired, can lead to thrombo-embolic events, particularly in young individuals without apparent causes.
Observation:
- This study details two cases of Protein C deficiency during pregnancy, an association not previously documented.
- The research examines the behavior of Protein C levels throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and in newborns.
Findings:
- Protein C deficiency is inherited autosomal dominantly.
- Anticoagulant therapy, including prophylactic doses of heparin during pregnancy and vitamin K antagonists post-delivery, is vital.
- Management requires careful monitoring and a slow transition between anticoagulant therapies.
Implications:
- Obstetric care should monitor for pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation, potentially caused by placental microthrombi.
- Systematic screening for Protein C deficiency is advised in families with a history of thrombo-embolic accidents due to the condition's frequency and severity.
Abstract:
Protein C is a protein found in the serum, dependent on vitamin K. It is a strong protection against venous thrombosis. Deficiency in protein C, whether constitutional or acquired, can give rise to thrombo-embolic accidents in young patients without any obvious triggering factor. The authors start by describing the physiological features of protein C. Deficiencies of this protein are transferred through a dominant autosome. Two cases are described where protein C deficiency occurred in pregnancy. This association has not been previously described. They then discuss the kinetics of protein C in pregnancy, at delivery and in the newborn. They then point out how important it is to treat with anticoagulants in prophylactic doses during the pregnancy. They use repeated doses of Heparin as an anticoagulant and for its antivitamin K action following the delivery. They give a list of precautions that have to be observed in this relay system which should be slow and carefully worked out later. Obstetrical observation has to look for the onset of pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation due to placental microthrombi. The authors conclude, after pointing out the frequency and the seriousness of this condition, by proposing that it should systematically be looked for in families where there have been cases of thrombo-embolic accidents.