MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Factor VII deficiency

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Factor VII deficiency

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Support Groups Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Blood clot formation

Blood clots

Alternative names Return to top

Extrinsic factor deficiency

Definition Return to top

Factor VII deficiency is an inherited disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting (coagulation), resulting from a deficiency of the plasma protein factor VII.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

This disorder is caused by an inherited deficiency of factor VII, an important clotting protein. Normal blood coagulation is a complex process involving as many as 20 different plasma proteins, which are known as blood coagulation factors. A series of complex chemical reactions using these factors takes place very rapidly to form an insoluble protein called fibrin that stops bleeding.

When certain coagulation factors are deficient or missing, the chain reaction does not take place normally. In this disorder, bleeding can vary from mild to severe within the same person over time. A history of bleeding may occur in infancy or childhood. Gastrointestinal and central nervous system bleeding can occur.

The risk factor is a family history of bleeding. The incidence is 1 in 500,000.

Symptoms Return to top

Bleeding of mucous membranes
Nosebleeds
Excessive bruising
Excessive menstrual bleeding
Bleeding into muscles
Bleeding into joints

Signs and tests Return to top

Treatment Return to top

Bleeding episodes can be controlled with normal plasma, concentrates containing factor VII, or recombinant factor VII. During bleeding episodes, frequent treatment is needed because the life span of factor VII is short. Menstrual bleeding can be controlled by the use of oral contraceptives.

Support Groups Return to top

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See hemophilia - resources.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The probable outcome is good with proper treatment.

Complications Return to top

Hemorrhage
Stroke or other neurological problems related to central nervous system bleeding
Joint deformities may develop in severe cases due to recurrent bleeds

Calling your health care provider 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

This is an inherited disorder. There is no known prevention.

Update Date: 8/18/2003

Updated by: Corey Cutler, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Instructor in Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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