Health Photos
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Protein C deficiency is a rare genetic trait characterised by an increased tendency to form blood clots. Protein C is a vitamin-K-dependent anticoagulant protein manufactured in the liver and circulated in the plasma.
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The risk factors include obesity, oral contraceptive use, varicose veins, infection, trauma, surgery, pregnancy, immobility, and congestive heart failure.
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Protein C deficiency is a prethrombotic (a thrombus is a clot) disorder which may be a result of congenital biochemical defects or associated with other thrombotic disorders.
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Clots in the leg veins may cause symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, discolouration and ulceration of the skin depending on the site of the clots.
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Pulmonary embolism leads to shortness of breath, rapid pulse, chest pain, coughing, slight fever, dizziness and chest tenderness.
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Thrombophlebitis leads to redness along the affected segment of the vein.
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Cirrhosis is a liver disease with symptoms like jaundice, edema (fluid collection in the tissue), mental confusion and vomiting of blood.
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The diagnosis of a prethrombotic patient includes a medical and family history, a physical examination and certain laboratory tests.
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Clot formation are often treated with anticoagulants such as heparin (injected) or warfarin (oral).
