Y. Gaber et al., Resistance to activated protein C due to factor V Leiden mutation: high prevalence in patients with post-thrombotic leg ulcers, BR J DERM, 144(3), 2001, pp. 546-548
Background Activated protein C (APC) resistance is the most frequently diag
nosed heritable thrombophilic defect predisposing to thrombosis,
Objectives To determine the prevalence of APC resistance due to factor V Le
iden mutation in patients with leg ulcers.
Methods Within a 2-year-period 100 consecutive patients with leg ulcers wer
e examined for factor V Leiden mutation.
Results APC resistance due to factor V Leiden mutation was detected in 19 o
f 53 patients (36%) with post-thrombotic leg ulcers and in three of 47 pati
ents (6%) with ulcers caused by primary varicosis. In a healthy control gro
up APC resistance due to factor V Leiden mutation was found in five of 96 (
5%) volunteers.
Conclusions In view of this high prevalence of APC resistance of 36%, which
has never previously been reported, patients with post-thrombotic. leg ulc
ers should be investigated for APC resistance.