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Peculiar laboratory phenotype/ genotype relationship due to compound inherited protein C defects in a child with
Insights
A child with severe blood clots had a complex inherited thrombophilia. This case highlights how a seemingly normal protein C level can mask serious genetic defects, impacting treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Inherited thrombophilia increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
- Protein C (PC) deficiency is a significant inherited risk factor for VTE.
- Accurate diagnosis of PC defects is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old child presented with unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Genetic testing revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the Protein C gene, leading to a Type I (null allele) and Type IIA defect.
- The child also carried a heterozygous prothrombin G20210A variant.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited a homozygous PC Type IIA phenotype despite carrying a Type I defect allele.
- The apparently normal PC antigen level was misleading, masking the compound defect.
- This complex thrombophilia contributed to the severe VTE event in the child.
Implications:
- Severe VTE can occur in children with complex inherited thrombophilia.
- Precise laboratory characterization of PC defects, considering both phenotype and genotype, is essential.
- Correct classification of PC defects guides appropriate anticoagulant or replacement therapy.
Abstract:
A 7-years-old child who developed unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) was tested for inherited thrombophilia. Protein C (PC) antigen level (87 %) and PC coagulometric and amidolytic activities (12 % and 11 %, respectively) were consistent with a homozygous PC type IIA phenotype.The patient was carrier of two heterozygous missense mutations causing p.Arg32Cys substitution associated with a type I PC defect ("null allele", from the paternal side) and p.Gly433Ser substitution responsible for a type IIA PC defect (from the maternal side). Thus, the apparently normal PC antigen level in the proband was misleading in the interpretation of phenotype/genotype relationship of this compound PC defect. The child was also carrier of heterozygous prothrombin G20210A variant.Severe venous thromboembolism can occur in otherwise healthy children with complex inherited thrombophilia. Careful laboratory characterization of the phenotype/genotype relationship can be crucial to correctly classify PC defects and for their management with anticoagulants or replacement therapy.
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