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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Factor VII deficiencyDefinitionFactor VII deficiency is an inherited disorder in which a lack (deficiency) of plasma protein factor VII leads to abnormal bleeding. Alternative NamesExtrinsic factor deficiency CausesThis 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
Exams and Tests
TreatmentPatients 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 GroupsYou can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See hemophilia - resources. Outlook (Prognosis)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
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalGo to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have severe, unexplained bleeding. PreventionGenetic counseling may be helpful for disorders that start at birth (congenital). Taking vitamin K can help if you have a vitamin K deficiency. ReferencesKessler C. Hemorrhagic disorders: coagulation factor deficiencies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 180. Review Date: 3/2/2009
Reviewed 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. The information provided herein should not be used during any
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