protein S deficiency
Last reviewed 01/2018
Protein S deficiency results in a primary hypercoagulable state.
Both quantitative and qualitative abnormalities of protein S have been identified.
In the normal individual, 60% of protein S in the plasma is inactive, being bound to the C4b-binding protein. Excessive binding of protein S to C4b-binding protein may result in a deficiency of active protein S in the plasma.
Protein S deficiency is associated with (1):
- 10x increased risk of thrombosis
- 3% prevalence in patients with venous thromboembolism
- 2% prevalence in normal population
Reference:
(1) British Heart Foundation (Factfile 2/2002). Thrombophilia.