Protein S deficiency revealed by skin necrosis in a patient with lupus

Lupus. 2019 Jun;28(7):903-905. doi: 10.1177/0961203319843345. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

Abstract

Protein S deficiency is rare in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is generally associated with the presence of antiphospholipid (APL) antibodies. Lack of protein S can cause skin necrosis, but when it does it is generally in response to warfarin exposure. In this article, we describe the case of a patient who had not received warfarin and without APL antibodies who developed extensive skin necrosis due to protein S deficiency. It is important to investigate protein S deficiency in patients with lupus and extensive skin ulcers as it is a sign of arterial thrombosis and venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Protein S Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Thrombosis / pathology
  • Venous Thromboembolism / pathology
  • Young Adult