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Factor VII deficiency

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Blood clot formation
Blood clot formation
Blood clots
Blood clots

Alternative Names    Return to top

Extrinsic factor deficiency

Definition    Return to top

Factor VII deficiency is an inherited disorder in which a lack (deficiency) of plasma protein factor VII leads to abnormal bleeding.

Causes    Return to top

This disorder occurs when the body does not have enough factor VII, an important blood clotting protein.

When you bleed, the body launches a series of reactions that help the blood clot. The process involves special proteins called coagulation factors. Factor VII is one of many coagulation factors. The final product of these reactions is the blood clot.

When certain coagulation factors are missing, your blood may not clot normally and you can bleed abnormally. Bleeding can vary from mild to severe in the same person over time. Bleeding may begin during infancy or childhood.

Most often a deficiency of factor VII is caused by:

Some babies are born with vitamin K deficiency. It is very rare to be born with factor VII deficiency that is due to the body's inability to make working factor VII.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

Patients can control bleeding episodes by receiving normal plasma, concentrates of factor VII, or genetically produced (recombinant) factor VII through a vein (intravenous). People need frequent treatment during bleeding episodes because factor VII does not last for long inside the body.

Women can better control menstrual bleeding with oral birth control (contraceptives). A form of factor VII called Novo-7 can also be used.

If a lack of vitamin K is causing the disorder, you can take vitamin K by mouth, through injections under the skin, or intravenously.

Support Groups    Return to top

You can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See hemophilia - resources.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome can be good with proper treatment.

This is a life-long disorder if you get it from your parents. If it is caused by liver disease, the outcome depends on how well you control the liver problem.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have severe, unexplained bleeding.

Prevention    Return to top

Genetic counseling may be helpful for disorders that start at birth (congenital). Taking vitamin K can help if you have a vitamin K deficiency.

References    Return to top

Kessler C. Hemorrhagic disorders: coagulation factor deficiencies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 180.

Update Date: 3/2/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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