Protein C deficiency and pregnancy: a case report

Obstet Gynecol. 1989 Mar;73(3 Pt 2):455-6.

Abstract

Protein C is thought to play a key role in the regulation of hemostasis, and its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. Protein C-deficient women are at particular risk of developing thromboembolic complications during pregnancy and delivery. The incidence of thromboembolic events is estimated to be 500-1000 times higher than in normal women. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman with previous iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis who experienced a successful pregnancy and delivery despite severe congenital protein C deficiency (protein C antigen and activity 25%). She was anticoagulated with heparin during the second part of her pregnancy. Our observation suggests that ambulatory full-dose subcutaneous heparin therapy during pregnancy constitutes adequate prevention. However, definite guidelines will require more extensive studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / drug therapy
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / genetics*
  • Female
  • Heparin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Pedigree
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / drug therapy
  • Protein C Deficiency*
  • Thromboembolism / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Heparin