Post-natal Development of Protein C in Full-term Newborns

Abstract

The concentration of protein C in the blood of full-term healthy newborns was determined. The levels of protein C, evaluated by electroimmunoassay, were low in the first 5 days of life and lower than the critical adult thrombotic level. The antigenic activity increased progressively from the 2nd wk of life and the adult values were reached after the 6th mo. The reduction of protein C levels may impair the ability of the newborn to control consumptive disorders, exposing the infants to the risk of thrombotic conditions in neonatal age.