Protein C is a protein produced by the liver. It’s present in low concentrations within the blood stream. It’s inactive till vitamin Okay prompts it.
Protein C serves a wide range of capabilities. Its foremost perform is stopping blood from clotting. If you happen to’re poor in protein C, your blood is extra prone to clot than somebody with regular ranges. Larger than regular ranges of protein C aren’t related to any identified well being points. However it could improve bleeding.
Protein C deficiency is present in related ranges in each women and men, and amongst completely different ethnicities.
What are the signs of protein C deficiency?
In some instances, somebody with protein C deficiency might not show clotting points or different signs. Different occasions, a deficiency in protein C can result in excessive ranges of blood clotting.
Blood clotting could be linked to varied circumstances:
Every of those circumstances has its personal distinctive signs.
Folks with protein C deficiency have an elevated danger for DVT and PE.
Study extra: How you can inform when you have a blood clot »
What causes protein C deficiency?
Protein C deficiency could be inherited, acquired, or develop over time as the results of different circumstances.
Protein C deficiency is brought on by genetics, or inherited. Meaning you’re extra prone to develop it when you have a household historical past of protein C deficiency. You’ve got a 50 p.c probability of creating it if considered one of your mother and father has protein C deficiency. About 1 in 500 folks, or 0.2 p.c of the final inhabitants has protein C deficiency.
You too can develop a protein C deficiency with no genetic hyperlink. Circumstances that may result in a protein C deficiency embrace:
Acquired lower in protein C ranges will not be clinically vital in the way in which that inherited protein C deficiency is.
How is it recognized?
Testing for protein C is fast and straightforward. Your physician will take a easy blood draw after which run a take a look at to find out the extent of protein C in your blood. A health care provider ought to do the testing a number of weeks after a blood clot episode, and after you’ve stopped taking sure blood thinning drugs, resembling warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Your physician might carry out blood checks as a result of false-positives are widespread.
Protein C deficiency and being pregnant
Girls with protein C deficiency have a better danger of creating clots each throughout and after being pregnant. That’s as a result of being pregnant is a danger issue for creating blood clots.
Researchers consider that protein C deficiency might improve the danger for miscarriages within the early and late phrases of being pregnant. Speak to your physician in case you suppose you’re in danger for protein C deficiency. Collectively you’ll be able to give you a plan for a secure being pregnant and supply.
How will you deal with protein C deficiency? – “protein c deficiency”
Blood thinner drugs, often known as anticoagulants, can deal with protein C deficiency. These drugs minimize your danger for blood clot formation by stopping blood from clotting in blood vessels. The remedy received’t permit the clots to get larger, and received’t break up clots which have already shaped.
Blood thinners embrace heparin (Hep-Lock U/P, Monoject Prefill Superior Heparin Lock Flush), which is injected, and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), direct oral anticoagulants taken by mouth. A therapy plan might embrace injecting heparin into your pores and skin for the primary week, after which taking an oral remedy after the primary week.
What’s the outlook?
Protein C deficiency isn’t widespread. In case you have a deficiency, your outlook is constructive. Many individuals with protein C deficiency don’t have notable unwanted side effects. If clotting is a matter, there are lots of methods to handle and stop it by doing the next:
Ideas for prevention
It’s possible you’ll not be capable to stop a protein C deficiency, however you’ll be able to take steps to cut back your danger for blood clots:
Additionally, when you have a household historical past of protein C deficiency or blood clotting, speak along with your physician a few prevention plan. Being proactive is your finest step for prevention.
“protein c deficiency”