A Rare Case with Pulmonary Embolism and Literature Review

Clinical Laboratory
|December 12, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary embolism in children without clear causes may indicate protein S deficiency (PSD). Testing protein S activity before anticoagulation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of this hereditary thrombophilia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Thrombosis
  • Hereditary Thrombophilia
  • Genetic Disorders

Background:

  • Pulmonary embolism (PE) is uncommon in children, often linked to risk factors like antiphospholipid syndrome or catheterization.
  • Unexplained pediatric PE warrants investigation for hereditary thrombophilia, such as protein S deficiency (PSD).
  • PSD, caused by PROS1 gene mutations, elevates thrombosis risk.

Approach:

  • Diagnosed two pediatric cases using thrombophilia screening and Sanger sequencing.
  • Identified a specific PROS1 gene mutation (c.200a>c, p.e67a) in affected individuals and family members.
  • Administered anticoagulation therapy for 3 months to both patients.

Key Points:

  • Sanger sequencing confirmed identical genotypes in both pediatric PE cases.
  • Family screening revealed inheritance patterns of the PROS1 gene mutation.
  • Patients completed 3-month anticoagulation with no thrombotic events or bleeding complications during 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Consider PSD in children with PE lacking apparent risk factors.
  • Measure protein S activity before initiating anticoagulant therapy in pediatric PE.
  • Early diagnosis and management of PSD can prevent recurrent thrombotic events.
Abstract

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