Health Encyclopedia

Factor VII deficiency

Definition

Factor VII deficiency is a disorder that runs in families. It is caused by a lack of enough plasma protein factor VII and leads to abnormal blood clotting (coagulation).

Alternative Names

Extrinsic factor deficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

This disorder occurs when you lack factor VII, an important clotting protein.

When you bleed, the body launches a series of activities that help the blood clot. This is called the coagulation cascade. The process involves special proteins called coagulation factors. (Factor VII is a coagulation factor.) Each factor's reaction triggers the next reaction. The final product of the coagulation cascade is the blood clot.

When certain coagulation factors are 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. Bleeding may begin during 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

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

Signs and tests

Treatment

Patients can control bleeding episodes with normal plasma, concentrates of factor VII, or genetically produced (recombinant) factor VII. People need frequent treatment during bleeding episodes because factor VII does not last for long. Women can control menstrual bleeding with oral contraceptives. An activated concentrate of factor VII called Novo-7 can also be used.

Support Groups

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)

The outcome can be good with proper treatment.

Complications

Hemorrhage
Stroke or other nervous system problems from central nervous system bleeding
Joint problems in severe cases when bleeding happens often

Calling your health care provider

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

Prevention

This disorder is passed through families (inherited). There is no known prevention.

References

Hoffman R, Benz E, Shattil S, Furie B, Cohen H. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2004.

Levi M, Peters M, Büller HR. Efficacy and safety of recombinant factor VIIa for treatment of severe bleeding: A systematic review. Crit Care Med. April 2005;33:883-890.

Review Date:3/13/2007
Reviewed By:Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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