Inherited Protein S Deficiency in Venous Leg Ulcer Disease

Abstract

Design:

Case report.

Setting:

University Hospital of Copenhagen.

Patients:

One patient presenting with venous ulceration of the leg after recurrent episodes of deep vein thrombosis which started at the age of 15 years.

Interventions:

Oral anticoagulation treatment and standard management of leg ulceration.

Main outcome measures:

Protein C, protein S and anti-thrombin III plasma levels were measured in the patient and her asymptomatic sister.

Results:

Plasma protein S levels were reduced in the index patient and her sister.

Conclusions:

We suggest that patients with venous leg ulcers attributable to post-thrombotic syndrome are investigated for abnormalities of the coagulation system.