Activated protein C-resistance caused by factor V gene mutation: a common coagulation defect in chronic venous leg ulcers

ABSTRACT

Twenty-three patients with venous leg ulcers were studied, in addition to 23 normal healthy controls. Activated protein C resistance [APCR] was determined by functional assay based on the activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT]. Then, patients with an abnormally low APC ratio were subjected to molecular analysis for the confirmation of factor V Leiden. APC resistance was detected in nine of 23 patients. However, only five of nine patients were found to be heterozygous for factor V Leiden mutation. Factor V Leiden mutation was significantly more frequent in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers than in the control group. Patients with factor V Leiden mutation were more likely to have a history of venous thrombosis than the non-affected ones. The recurrent leg ulceration occurred more frequently in patients with factor V Leiden mutation than those without mutation