Congenital antithrombin III deficiency Health Article

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.