Homozygous 23-bp insertion of endothelial protein c receptor gene in a child with fatal sepsis

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2007 Apr-May;24(3):199-204. doi: 10.1080/08880010701198811.

Abstract

Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is primarily localized on the endothelial cells of large blood vessels and is very low or absent in the microvascular endothelium of most tissues. EPCR augments the thrombin/thrombomodulin-dependent activation of protein C by 5- to 20-fold. EPCR appears to be physiologically significant in the control of blood coagulation and inflammation and in the host response to gram-negative sepsis. Here, the authors report an 8-month-old boy, who had chronic liver disease due to undetermined cause. He had Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans sepsis and died due to gastrointestinal, lung, and peritoneal bleeding during follow-up. Serum soluble EPCR level of the patient was high (225 ng/mL) during sepsis. A homozygous 23-bp insertion of EPCR gene was demonstrated. This case indicates the importance the EPCR gene plaus in pediatric sepsis. Homozygous 23-bp insertion of the EPCR gene may be associated with a tendency to sepsis and poor outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / genetics*
  • Bacteremia / microbiology*
  • Candida albicans / pathogenicity*
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor
  • Endothelium, Vascular
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Fungemia / microbiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / genetics
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mutagenesis, Insertional*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / pathogenicity*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Endothelial Protein C Receptor
  • PROCR protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface