Protein C deficiency increases the risk of...

Protein C deficiency increases the risk of...

• A. Increased risk of recurrent DVT and PE
• B. Increased risk of platelet destruction
• C. Increased risk of hemarthrosis
• D. Increased risk of spontaneous bacterial infections

Answer: (A)

Protein C is a natural anticoagulant that, when activated, inactivates factors Va and VIIIa to limit thrombin generation. A deficiency in Protein C leaves the coagulation system unchecked, creating a hypercoagulable state. This chiefly translates into venous thromboembolism, so there is an increased risk of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The other options don’t fit because platelet destruction points to thrombocytopenia, joint bleeding (hemarthrosis) occurs with factor deficiencies like hemophilia, and spontaneous bacterial infections relate to immune or splenic issues rather than a coagulation-factor deficiency.

Protein C is a natural anticoagulant that, when activated, inactivates factors Va and VIIIa to limit thrombin generation. A deficiency in Protein C leaves the coagulation system unchecked, creating a hypercoagulable state. This chiefly translates into venous thromboembolism, so there is an increased risk of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

The other options don’t fit because platelet destruction points to thrombocytopenia, joint bleeding (hemarthrosis) occurs with factor deficiencies like hemophilia, and spontaneous bacterial infections relate to immune or splenic issues rather than a coagulation-factor deficiency.