Congenital Antithrombin III Deficiency

Congenital antithrombin III deficiency is an inherited clotting disorder in which the body produces a lower amount or a less functional form of a protein that helps prevent the excessive formation of clots.

Why it matters: those who have it are more prone to developing thrombosis, that is, clots in the veins, sometimes from an early age.

When to see a doctor? Evaluation is useful when there is a family history of thrombosis or episodes of clots with no clear cause.

Which specialist treats it? The hematologist, and in children the pediatric hematologist together with the pediatrician, are the appropriate professionals. Discussing the family history with one of them helps to understand individual risk.