Antithrombin iii deficiency

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A rare disorder characterized by the presence of low levels of antithrombin iii which prohibits the formation of blood clots.

Clinical features[edit | edit source]

It may lead to venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Antithrombin-gene-strand-switch
Antithrombin-gene-strand-switch

Types[edit | edit source]

Acquired and genetic types.

Congenital AT-III deficiency[edit | edit source]

  • Also known as antithrombin III Deficiency;
  • Congenital Antithrombin III Deficiency;
  • Thrombophilia due to antithrombin III deficiency;
  • Inherited antithrombin deficiency;
  • Hereditary thrombophilia due to congenital antithrombin deficiency;
  • Hereditary thrombophilia due to congenital antithrombin 3 deficiency

Inheritance[edit | edit source]

It may be inherited, usually in an autosomal dominant pattern, or acquired.

Autosomal Dominant Inheritance
Autosomal Dominant Inheritance

Clinical features[edit | edit source]

  • Hereditary antithrombin deficiency, is a disorder in which individuals are at increased risk for developing blood clots.
  • The type of blood clots seen in individuals with this condition are typically clots that form in the deep veins of the leg, DVT, leading to risk of PE.
  • Approximately 50% of individuals with hereditary antithrombin deficiency will develop one or more clots in their lifetime, usually after adolescence.
  • Factors that may increase the likelihood of clotting include pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, surgery, increasing age, and a lack of movement.
  • Hereditary antithrombin deficiency is caused by mutations in the SERPINC1 gene and is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms vary - most common symptoms are DVT, PE, which happens on a recurrent basis

80%-99% of people have these symptoms

  • Reduced antithrombin antigen
  • Reduced antithrombin III activity

30%-79% of people have these symptoms

5%-29% of people have these symptoms

1%-4% of people have these symptoms

Less common symptoms

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis.

Genetic testing[edit | edit source]

The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) is a useful resource

Treatment[edit | edit source]

  • Once a patient with hereditary antithrombin deficiency develops a clot, anticoagulation therapy (usually Warfarin) is often indicated.
  • The duration of therapy after a first clot, especially in children, is a matter of some controversy, but therapy is generally continued for 3-6 months.
  • Individuals who experience a second clot are at a significant risk for future clotting and are candidates for long-term Warfarin therapy. Asymptomatic individuals are often not treated with anticoagulation therapy.
  • Should surgery be necessary, individuals with hereditary antithrombin deficiency may receive antithrombin III concentrate or fresh frozen plasma to boost antithrombin levels.

FDA-Approved Treatments[edit | edit source]

The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition.

Recombinant human antithrombin (Brand name: Atryn®) - Manufactured by GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc.

FDA-approved indication: Prevention of peri-operative and peri-partum thromboembolic events, in hereditary antithrombin deficient patients.

Antithrombin III (human) (Brand name: Thrombate III) - Manufactured by Grifols United States

FDA-approved indication: For replacement therapy in congenital deficiency of AT-III for prevention and treatment of thrombosis and pulmonary emboli.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis depends on the degree of antithrombin deficiency, the nature of the clots formed, and the number of clots formed.

Anticoagulation[edit | edit source]

Patients with recurring clots are more likely to suffer a life-threatening clotting event in the future and are best treated with indefinite Warfarin therapy after careful evaluation of the potential risks and benefits.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Antithrombin iii deficiency Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD