Brief report: autoimmune protein S deficiency in a boy with severe thromboembolic disease

Article Abstract:

A boy who developed protein S deficiency following a bout with chicken pox illustrates the important role the protein plays in blood coagulation. The boy was admitted to a hospital with an enlarged testicle during his recovery from chicken pox. Surgery revealed extensive hemorrhaging in the testicle, which was removed. Several days later, the boy developed deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which are characterized by the development of blood clots in the major leg veins and pulmonary veins, respectively. The blood clots in his leg extended into his vena cava, the large vein that returns blood to the heart. Despite placement of a filter in his vena cava, the blood clots extended to his subclavian vein, the vein close to the collarbone. He was treated with tPA, a drug that breaks up blood clots, and heparin. Blood analyses revealed that his body was producing antibodies against protein S, which caused his blood levels of protein S to drop. His body eventually cleared the antibodies, his protein S levels returned to normal and his blood clots resolved.

Case studies, Measurement, Autoimmune diseases, Thromboembolism, Protein S

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Disclosing harmful medical error to patients

Article Abstract:

An emerging trend for transparency among the medical fraternity across the United States to disclose information to patients after harmful errors have been made is presented.

United States, Risk factors, Informed consent (Medical law), Informed consent, Medication errors

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