Definition
Factor II deficiency is a blood clotting (coagulation) problem that occurs when there is a lack of a substance (prothrombin) that is needed for blood to clot.
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Alternative Names
Hypoprothrombinemia; Prothrombin deficiency
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
When you bleed, the body launches a series of reactions that help the blood clot. This is called the coagulation cascade. The process involves special proteins called coagulation or clotting factors. When one or more of these clotting factors are missing, there is usually a higher chance of bleeding.
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This disorder occurs when the body does not have enough factor II, an important blood clotting protein. Factor II deficiency that runs in families (inherited) is very rare. Both parents must be carriers to pass it to their children. A family history of a bleeding disorder is a potential risk factor.
Most commonly, factor II deficiency is caused by:
Symptoms
- Abnormal bleeding after delivery
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding after surgery
- Bleeding after trauma
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Bruising
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Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Umbilical cord bleeding at birth
Signs and tests
Treatment
You can control blood loss by getting infusions of fresh or frozen plasma or concentrates of clotting factors into the blood. If a lack of vitamin K is causing the disorder, you can take vitamin K by mouth, through injections under the skin, or through a vein (intravenously).
Diagnosing a bleeding disorder is important so that the doctor can take extra care if you need surgery, and can test or warn other family members who might be affected.
Support Groups
You can ease the stress of illness 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.
This is a life-long bleeding disorder if you get it from your parents.
If it is caused by liver disease, the outcome depends on how well your liver problem can be treated. Taking vitamin K will treat vitamin K deficiency.
Complications
Severe bleeding, even into the brain, can occur.
Calling your health care provider
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have unexplained or long-term blood loss or if you can't control the bleeding.
Prevention
Genetic counseling may be helpful for disorders that start at birth (congenital). When a lack of vitamin K is the cause, using vitamin K can help.
References
Gailani D, Neff AT. Rare coagulation factor deficiencies. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2008:chap 127.
Kessler C. Hemorrhagic disorders: Coagulation factor deficiencies. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 180.
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