Related Experiment Videos
Protein C antigen deficiency and warfarin necrosis
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Congenital protein C deficiency is linked to warfarin-induced skin necrosis. This study found low protein C levels in most patients experiencing this adverse drug reaction, confirming its role in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oral anticoagulants like warfarin can cause rare but severe tissue necrosis.
- Congenital protein C deficiency has been suggested as a contributing factor to this complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between congenital protein C deficiency and warfarin-induced skin necrosis.
- To quantify protein C levels in patients who have experienced warfarin necrosis.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 13 patients with a history of warfarin necrosis were analyzed.
- Protein C antigen levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
- Coagulation Factors II, VII, IX, and X were assessed using functional and immunologic methods.
Main Results:
- 11 out of 13 patients (85%) exhibited low protein C levels, ranging from 23% to 69%.
- Normal protein C levels are defined as 70-140%.
Conclusions:
- Low protein C antigen levels are significantly implicated in the pathogenesis of warfarin-induced skin necrosis.
- These findings support screening for protein C deficiency in patients developing warfarin necrosis.