Related Experiment Videos

High levels of plasma protein C in nephrotic syndrome

I Pabinger-Fasching, K Lechner, H Niessner

    Thrombosis and Haemostasis
    |February 18, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    In severe nephrotic syndrome, plasma protein C levels are elevated, not decreased. This study suggests that protein C changes do not cause the increased thrombotic risk associated with this condition.

    Area of Science:

    • Nephrology
    • Hematology
    • Clinical Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by significant proteinuria and edema.
    • Patients with nephrotic syndrome exhibit an increased risk of thromboembolic events.
    • The role of coagulation factors, such as protein C, in this thrombotic tendency is not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate plasma protein C antigen (protein C: Ag) levels and protein C activity in patients with severe nephrotic syndrome.
    • To explore the relationship between protein C levels and antithrombin III (AT III: Ag) levels in these patients.
    • To determine if urinary protein C excretion occurs in nephrotic syndrome.

    Main Methods:

    • Measurement of plasma protein C: Ag levels in 8 patients (5 adults, 3 children) with severe nephrotic syndrome.
    • Assay of protein C activity in 3 of the 8 patients.
    • Analysis of the correlation between protein C: Ag and AT III: Ag levels.
    • Urine analysis for protein C: Ag in 2 patients.

    Main Results:

    • Significantly elevated plasma protein C: Ag concentrations were observed in patients with severe nephrotic syndrome.
    • Protein C activity was assessed in a subset of patients.
    • A significant inverse correlation was found between protein C: Ag and AT III: Ag levels.
    • No detectable protein C: Ag was found in the urine of the two patients studied.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated plasma protein C concentrations in severe nephrotic syndrome do not appear to be a primary driver of the associated thrombotic risk.
    • The findings suggest that other hemostatic mechanisms are likely responsible for the hypercoagulable state in nephrotic syndrome.

    Related Concept Videos