Summary
We present a kindred with a new mutation of the protein C gene, in which the proband
had an unusual clinical presentation. The relationship between warfarin induced skin
necrosis and level of anticoagulation was investigated. The pharmacokinetics of protein
C concentrate was assessed to determine frequency of replacement therapy. The clinical
and biochemical efficacy of therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was assessed.
The effect of long-term LMWH on bone density in the growing child was monitored using
whole body densitometry.
Warfarin therapy required an INR of greater than 3.5 to avoid skin necrosis. If protein
C replacement was to be used, doses of 100 U/kg/day would have been required to maintain
protein C levels consistently at or above 0.20 U/ml. While receiving prophylactic
therapy with LMWH for almost 3 years, there were no episodes of recurrent thrombosis,
no skin necrosis and no bleeding. Biochemical markers of in vivo thrombin generation
were suppressed and within the normal range. Bone density continued to increase at
the normal rate throughout the treatment period.
LMWH is an effective form of long-term therapy for homozygous protein C deficient
patients with measurable protein C levels.