Critical Illness Coagulopathy and the Protein C System

The protein C system has been known as an important regulatory mechanism of blood coagulation for more than 40 years. Early after discovery, the association of disturbances of the protein C system with thrombosis was recognized. Congenital protein C deficiency is strongly associated with life-threatening thrombosis, but is extremely rare. Acquired protein C deficiency occurs during different diseases, especially sepsis and severe infections, which were the focus of scientific interest over the last few years. It could be demonstrated that low plasma levels of protein C were associated with a poor outcome in critically ill patients.  This book gives an overview of the physiology and pathophysiology of the protein C system, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to protein C deficiency, and the results of clinical and experimental studies.