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Alternative names Return to top
Parahemophilia; Owren's diseaseDefinition Return to top
Factor V deficiency is an inherited abnormal blood coagulation disorder caused by a deficiency of the plasma protein Factor V.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
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. In this disorder, bleeding ranges from mild to severe.
When certain coagulation factors are deficient or missing, the chain reaction does not take place normally. Factor V is rare, and can be caused by inheriting a defective Factor V gene or by acquiring an antibody that interferes with normal Factor V function.
An inhibitor of Factor V can be acquired after giving birth, after surgery, with automimmune diseases and certain cancers, in patients being treated wtih a certain type of fibrin glue, and from unknown sources.
The disease is similar to hemophilia, except bleeding into joints is less common. In the inherited form of Factor V deficiency, a family history of a bleeding disorder is a risk factor.
Excessive bleeding with menstrual periods and after delivery occurs frequently. A family history of a bleeding disorder is a risk factor. Men and women are affected equally. About 1 person per 1 million has the disorder.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Fresh plasma or fresh frozen plasma infusions will correct the deficiency temporarily and should be given daily during a bleeding episode or after surgery.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 - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The probable outcome is good with diagnosis and proper treatment.Complications Return to top
Severe hemorrhage could occur.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 an unexplained or prolonged loss of blood.Prevention Return to top
This is an inherited disorder; there is no known prevention. Update Date: 5/4/2004 Updated by: Stephen Grund, M.D. Ph.D., Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |