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.

The risk factors include obesity, oral contraceptive use, varicose veins, infection, trauma, surgery, pregnancy, immobility, and congestive heart failure.

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.

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.

Pulmonary embolism leads to shortness of breath, rapid pulse, chest pain, coughing, slight fever, dizziness and chest tenderness.

Thrombophlebitis leads to redness along the affected segment of the vein.

Cirrhosis is a liver disease with symptoms like jaundice, edema (fluid collection in the tissue), mental confusion and vomiting of blood.

The diagnosis of a prethrombotic patient includes a medical and family history, a physical examination and certain laboratory tests.

Clot formation are often treated with anticoagulants such as heparin (injected) or warfarin (oral).