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A 46-year-old man was referred with a 2-year history of non-healing ulcers on both lower limbs. He had suffered two episodes of deep vein thrombosis, at the ages of 7 and 28 years. He was subsequently admitted to hospital for treatment of pulmonary embolism at the age of 30. A year earlier, he had suffered an uncomplicated inferior wall myocardial infarction. On examination, he had multiple superficial ulcers on both his legs in the gaiter areas (figure). The surrounding skin showed signs of advanced venous insufficiency in the form of venous eczema, lipodermatosclerosis and pigmentation. Duplex imaging of his venous system revealed extensive bilateral post-phlebitic changes. His only medication was warfarin, which he had been advised to take life-long. His 18-year-old son was also diagnosed to have a deep vein thrombosis and subsequent investigations revealed two of his three children to be suffering from the same condition.
Figure The patient's legs
Questions
- 1
- What is the underlying condition?
- 2
- How is this condition managed?
- 3
- How should the ulcers be treated?
Answers
QUESTION 1
This patient was found to have hereditary protein S deficiency (PSD). It is an autosomal dominant disorder, associated with an increased risk for developing thrombosis in heterozygotes1; hence the higher prevalence among ethnic groups practising consanguinity. The thrombotic episodes are rare before the age of 15 but it has been reported in a 10-year-old boy.2 The acquired form of PSD can be due to various disorders including advanced malignancy, chicken pox and other viral infections (eg, HTLV-I).3
Among the known plasma protein deficiencies associated with venous thrombosis, protein S and protein C deficiencies are the commonest.4 Protein S is the vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C (APC) which functions as a potent anticoagulant by degrading activated factors V and VIII in a Ca2+ and phospholipid-dependent reaction.5 Protein S exists as two forms in plasma, either free and functionally active or complexed with C4b-binding protein and inactive. Inherited resistance to APC was recently discovered as a cause of familial thrombophilia and is now known to be the most common genetic risk factor for venous thrombosis. APC resistance is usually associated with a single point mutation in the factor V gene, which results in substitution of arginine at position 506 by glutamine. The mutation renders factor Va partially resistant to degradation by APC, which leads to a hypercoagulable state and increased risk of venous thrombosis. The previously known inherited deficiencies of antithrombin, protein S, or protein C, are, in western societies, together found in less than 10–15% of thrombosis patients, whereas APC resistance is present in 20–60% of the patients.6
QUESTION 2
In young patients with recurrent venous thromboembolism in the absence of obvious predisposing factors, it is important to exclude inherited plasma protein deficiencies of protein S, protein C, antithrombin III, plasminogen and fibrinogen.
Treatment is predominantly prophylactic, in the form of long-term oral anticoagulation with warfarin. Where its use is contraindicated, for example, in pregnancy, or in the event of warfarin-induced skin reactions, heparin is a suitable alternative. At present, there is lack of consensus regarding the duration of treatment. Current practice seems to favour life-long warfarin therapy.
QUESTION 3
The ulcers are initially treated with topical iodine-impregnated dressing and graduated compression therapy. Venous eczema is treated effectively with topical steroid preparations, usually over 10–12 weeks. After the first few weeks of healing, the compression therapy should be changed to a four-layer bandage system.7 The ulcers in this patient had healed satisfactorily by the end of 12 weeks of treatment.
Learning points
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among the known plasma protein deficiencies associated with venous thrombosis, protein S and protein C deficiencies are the commonest
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protein S deficiency is an autosomal dominant disorder of the clotting system resulting in a hypercoagulable state; an acquired form of the condition can result from various systemic disorders
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protein S deficiency should be suspected in any young patient suffering from deep vein thrombosis or other thrombotic episode and a thrombophilia screen should be performed.
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a thorough family history should be obtained and close family members screened
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recurrent venous thromboses are common in such patients, starting at a very young age, and current practice advocates life-long anticoagulant prophylaxis
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in patients who develop post-phlebitic changes in their limbs, including ulceration, treatment comprises compression and topical wound care
Final diagnosis
Protein S deficiency.