PROTEIN-C AND PROTEIN-S ACTIVITIES IN BEHCETS-DISEASE AS RISK-FACTORSOF THROMBOSIS

Background In Behcet's disease (ED), there is a marked increase in vas cular complications. Approximately 30% of patients with ED suffer from thrombosis of the arteries and veins, varices, aneurysms, and thrombo phlebitis of superficial or deep veins. Protein C and Protein S are ma jor inhibitors of coagulation, and it is well known that the deficienc y of Protein C and Protein S causes thrombotic disorders. Methods Prot ein C and Protein S activities were measured in 23 patients with ED an d in a control group consisting of 23 age-and sex-matched healthy volu nteers. Patients who had received anticoagulant or oral contraceptive drugs, or who had liver disease or active thrombosis, were not include d in the study. Results Of the 23 patients with ED (age, 13-55 years), the mean Protein S activities (94.2 +/- 11.3%) were slightly lower th an the means of the control group (109.1 +/- 8.4%), but not statistica lly significant differences could be demonstrated (p > 0.05). Compared with the means of the control group (103.5 +/- 6.9%), the Protein C a ctivities were not lower in ED (106.3 +/- 8.4%). No statistical differ ence was determined. Conclusions Protein C and Protein S deficiencies are not a probable cause of thrombotic manifestations in ED. We do not recommend the measurement of these activities routinely in ED unless thrombosis is the major and primary manifestation of ED.