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[Immunologic and functional protein C determination in various internal diseases]
K H Zurborn1, H Broers, W Kirch
1I. Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Abteilung Innere Medizin, Kiel.
Klinische Wochenschrift
|October 1, 1987
Summary
A novel functional protein C (PC) test using snake venom precisely measures PC activity. This assay identifies PC deficiency in various diseases, offering a valuable diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
Context:
- Protein C (PC) is a crucial anticoagulant. Accurate measurement of its functional activity is vital for diagnosing deficiencies and monitoring diseases.
- Existing methods for PC evaluation have limitations in precision and scope.
Purpose:
- To introduce a new, precise, and practicable functional protein C (PC) evaluation test.
- To assess the correlation between the new functional assay and immunological methods (ELISA).
- To investigate the utility of the functional PC assay in identifying PC deficiency in various patient groups.
Summary:
- A novel functional protein C (PC) assay utilizes snake venom activation and a clotting assay (aPTT prolongation) for precise PC activity measurement.
- The assay demonstrated good correlation (r=0.74) with ELISA in healthy controls.
- Significant PC deficiency was detected in patients with solid tumors, inflammatory diseases, and myocardial infarction. The functional assay also identified PC inhibitor complexes and dysfunctional PC in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and functionally deficient PC in liver disease and oral anticoagulant treatment.
Impact:
- Provides a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of protein C function compared to existing methods.
- Enhances the diagnosis of hereditary and acquired protein C deficiencies.
- Offers valuable insights into the role of protein C dysfunction in thrombotic and other critical conditions.