ABSTRACT

Increasing attention is being given to inherited abnormalities of the body’s anticoagulation system: deficiencies of antithrombin III, protein C and protein S, and the increased prothrombotic state caused by a genetic defect (mutation) of factor V Leiden causing activated protein C resistance. Proper functioning of these systems is necessary to prevent arterial and venous thrombo-occlusive disease, predominantly the latter. In these cases, especially those with arterial involvement, the search for hyperhomocysteinemia and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is also in order.