Circulating activated protein C in subjects with heterozygous Gln506-factor V.

Congenital resistance to activated protein C due to a point mutation in the factor V gene (Gln506-FV) is the most common genetic risk factor for familial venous thrombosis. Considering the central role of activated protein C as a physiological anticoagulant, the question of why the thrombotic risk associated with Gln506-FV was not more pronounced was asked. We hypothesized that in Gln506-FV heterozygotes, enhanced thrombin formation might preferentially activate protein C and thereby constitute a compensatory antithrombotic effect. We compared the circulatory level of activated protein C in twelve heterozygous carriers of Gln506-FV mutation with that in eighteen noncarriers in same families, and used prothrombin fragment 1+2 as a measure of thrombin generation. The circulating level of activated protein C was higher but not significantly different in heterozygotes compared with normal relatives. Activated protein C levels correlated strongly and positively with protein C antigen levels in both carriers (Spearman R 0.684, p < 0.05) and controls (Spearman R 0.642, p < 0.01). Correlation between activated protein C and prothrombin fragment 1+2 levels was of borderline significance (Spearman R 0.354, p = 0.055). In the current study, thrombin formation assessed by prothrombin fragment 1+2 levels was not significantly enhanced in subjects with heterozygous Gln506-FV compared with family members without the mutation. In conclusion, enhanced thrombin formation is not present in all healthy Gln506-FV heterozygotes in basal conditions. It seems that enhanced protein C activation by thrombin does not constitute a compensatory anticoagulant feedback loop in heterozygous carriers of Gln506-FV. However, the positive correlation between prothrombin fragment 1+2 and activated protein C suggests that, in healthy subjects and in basal conditions, thrombin upregulates the anticoagulant protein C pathway. Thus, it is questionable whether prothrombin fragment 1+2 can directly be used as an indicator of a hypercoagulable state.

Outcome of rehabilitation programmes for employees with lowered working capacity.

Outcome of rehabilitation programmes emphasizing intensive cooperation between workplace and rehabilitation specialists was evaluated. Outcome of rehabilitation was assessed 6 months after the beginning of the rehabilitation process. Outcome measures presented here were based on questionnaires. Benefits of changes in work-related factors (e.g. ergonomics) carried out after the programme at the workplace were also assessed. The results showed significant improvement in the subjects' working capacity, as well as a decrease in symptom severity and disability caused by individual and work-related factors. Improvements in working methods and work tasks during the follow-up period were connected to better outcome.