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Factor II deficiency - Overview

Alternative Names

Hypoprothrombinemia; Prothrombin deficiency

Definition of Factor II deficiency:

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.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

When you bleed, the body launches a series of reactions that help the blood clot. The process involves special proteins called coagulation factors. Factor II is one of many coagulation factors. The final product of these chain reactions is the blood clot.

When certain coagulation factors are too low or missing, your blood may not clot normally. Bleeding may range from mild to severe.

Factor II deficiency that runs in families (inherited) is very rare. It results in poor blood clotting. 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:

Some babies are born with vitamin K deficiency.

  • Reviewed last on: 3/2/2009
  • 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.

References

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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