Activated Protein C Resistance in Deep Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Several risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) have been identified, and inherited thrombophilias constitute a significant proportion of them. The most common inherited thrombophilia is activated protein C (APC) resistance, and factor V Leiden is the most common cause of APC resistance. The high prevalence of APC resistance in Caucasians is established, and the prevalence among persons of Asian and African descent has been shown to be low in previous studies. Twenty-three patients with lower limb DVT were included in the study. Diagnosis was confirmed by duplex ultrasonography. Patients were tested for APC resistance with use of the STA Staclot APC-R system (Diagnostica Stago, Asnieres, France), as per the manufacturer's guidelines. Ten patients (43.5%) tested positive for APC resistance, while 13 (56.5%) tested negative. APC resistance, although considered a rarity, has been found to have a high prevalence in patients with DVT from the northeastern region of India. APC resistance estimation should be done for all patients with DVT. © 2009 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc.