Protein C deficiency in thrombotic and embolic cerebrovascular strokes

ABSTRACT

To examine the possible pathophysiologic role of protein C-a natural anticoagulant- in thromotic and embolic cerebrovascular strokes, we studied 20 patients with acute stroke [10 subjects with thrombotic stroke, and 10 others with embolic stroke]. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], plasma fibrinogen, plasma protein C activity, and serum fibrin [ogen] degradation products [FDP[s]] were measured in these subjects and were compared to those in 10 healthy volunteers. Prothrombin time and APTT were comparable in all groups. Plasma fibrinogen and serum FDP[s] were significantly increased, and plasma protein C activity was significantly diminished in the thrombotic and embolic stroke patients in comparison to healthy individuals. Although these hemostatic alterations can be secondary to thrombin generation in thrombotic and embolic strokes, yet they may share in the initiation or perpetuation of the pathophysiologic process involved in the genesis of these strokes