Comprehensive literature review of protein C concentrate use in patients with severe congenital protein C deficiency

Abstract

Severe congenital protein C deficiency (SCPCD) is a rare disorder associated with life-threatening purpura fulminans and disseminated intravascular coagulation that typically present within hours after birth. Treatment options for patients with SCPCD include replacement therapy with a plasma-derived protein C concentrate. In this targeted literature review, we summarize information on the use of protein C concentrate as long-term prophylaxis (>1 week of treatment) for patients with SCPCD. In total, 18 publications were included in the review, of which 15 were case studies. Treatment with protein C concentrate (Ceprotin; Baxalta US Inc, a Takeda company; Takeda Manufacturing Austria AG) was reported in 11 publications, and treatment with protein C concentrate (Protexel; LFB Biomedicaments) was reported in 2 publications. One publication reported on both Ceprotin and Protexel. Details of protein C concentrate treatment regimens, including the dose, administration frequency, and route of administration, were reported in 11 publications. Dosing regimens varied across all 11 publications, possibly due to different protein C trough levels among patients or the administration of concomitant medications. Seven of the 11 publications reported on patients who initially received intravenous protein C concentrate and subsequently switched to subcutaneous administration. Treatment outcomes with protein C concentrate were generally favorable, including the prevention of coagulopathy and thrombosis and the healing of cutaneous lesions. Three adverse events in 1 publication were identified as being possibly related to Ceprotin administration. Although published data are limited, this review provides valuable insights into the treatment of patients with SCPCD in clinical practice, including protein C concentrate dosing regimens, administration routes, and associated clinical outcomes.

Keywords

• disseminated intravascular coagulation
• protein C deficiency
• purpura fulminans
• retinal hemorrhage
• venous thrombosis