Resistance to activated protein C as a risk factor of stroke in a thalassemic patient

Haematologica. 1997 Nov-Dec;82(6):698-700.

Abstract

It is well known that thalassemic patients exhibit an increased frequency of thrombotic events. Most individuals with resistance to activated protein C (APCR) are the result of a point mutation replacing Arg 506 with Gln in the factor V aminoacidic sequence (factor V Leiden). Recently APCR has been shown to account for up to 50% of cases of thrombophilia. In this report, we describe a 10 year old thalassemic intermedia patient heterozygous for Factor V R506Q who developed a stroke following transfusion. Coagulation laboratory values were all within the normal range and there was no evidence of a lupus anticoagulant. Computerized brain tomography showed an ischemic area in the left temporo-parietal region. At follow-up, plasma from the patient demonstrated APCR and molecular diagnostic testing revealed heterozygosity for factor V R506Q. We suggest that the heterozygosity for factor V Leiden could increase the thrombotic risk in thalassemia intermedia. We believe it may be beneficial to screen all intermedia thalassemic patients for APCR especially before starting a transfusional regimen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / genetics
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / genetics
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Factor V / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Protein C / physiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Thalassemia / genetics
  • Thalassemia / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Protein C
  • Factor V