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Congenital antithrombin III deficiency

• Overview

Definition:

Antithrombin III deficiency is a genetic disorder that causes the blood to clot abnormally.

Alternative Names:

Deficiency - antithrombin III - congenital; Antithrombin III deficiency - congenital

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Antithrombin III is a protein in the blood that blocks blood clots from forming. Congenital antithrombin III deficiency is a genetic disease. It occurs when a person receives one abnormal copy of a gene from a parent with the disease.

The abnormal gene leads to low levels of antithrombin III. These low levels of antithrombin III can cause abnormal blood clots (thrombi) that may damage organs.

• Review Date: 4/27/2007
• Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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