Protein S Deficiency Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Protein S is an anticoagulant that works together with vitamin K, regulates the blood clotting process in the body. This protein was first discovered in 1979 in Seattle and named after the city’s abbreviation, ‘S’.
If vitamin K works to clot blood when an injury occurs, then protein S is responsible for preventing excessive blood clots from occurring. If the amount is very small in the blood or deficiency occurs, the blood will easily clot and thrombosis occurs. People who are at risk of developing protein S deficiency are those who have a family history of blood clotting disorders.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of protein S deficiency is determined based on laboratory tests to detect protein S antigen. Next, an evaluation of the work of the protein will be carried out.
In addition to examining the S protein antigen, diagnosis can also be made using the Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) examination.
Reason
Protein S deficiency occurs as a result of a genetic disorder that is passed down in a family line. This means that a person’s risk will be higher for this condition if there are family members with protein S deficiency.
Mutations in the PROS1 gene are thought to be the specific cause of this disorder. In addition to genetic disorders, protein S deficiency can also occur due to other conditions such as liver disorders or vitamin K deficiency.
Symptom
The main symptom of protein S deficiency is thrombosis or excessive blood clotting. These clots generally occur in deep veins, called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Signs someone has DVT include:
1. pain in the hands or feet
2. swollen,
3. reddish or bluish
4. warm
Blood clots in these blood vessels can break off, clog the lungs, and be life threatening. This condition is called a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is an emergency condition that must be treated immediately.
Symptoms felt in pulmonary embolism include:
1. hard to breathe
2. chest pain
3. pounding
4. faint
5. coughing up blood
Treatment
In protein S deficiency accompanied by DVT, the main therapy given is anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs) – such as heparin or warfarin. This therapy is recommended for 6 to 9 months. However, if the symptoms of thrombosis that occur are severe enough, therapy can be continued for life.
Some cases of protein S deficiency do not cause significant symptoms and do not need specific treatment. Sufferers are only advised not to use drinking contraception which has the potential to increase the risk of blood clots. If you are going to carry out a therapeutic procedure, it is recommended that the patient receive heparin before the operation is carried out.
There are complications that can result from protein S deficiency. Thrombosis or blood clots in protein S deficiency can occur anywhere. If it attacks important organs such as the lungs, brain and heart, the biggest threat is death.
Prevention
In patients with protein S deficiency, prevention of thrombosis can be done by giving blood thinners, such as warfarin or heparin, before the patient undergoes a surgical procedure or other major surgical procedure.