Heparin Cofactor II

Blocking Thrombin in Plasma

Heparin cofactor II is found in plasma and rapidly blocks thrombin in the presence of heparin.

Heparin cofactor II deficiency is classified into two ways:

• Type I (quantitative): a decrease in both cofactor level and its functioning

• Type II (qualitative): a decrease in the functional activity of the protein with normal cofactor levels

Only a few cases of heparin cofactor II deficiency have been described. Further research is needed to understand the clinical importance of heparin cofactor II deficiency.