Health Encyclopedia

Factor II deficiency

Definition

Factor II deficiency is a blood clotting (coagulation) problem caused by a lack of a substance (prothrombin) that is needed for blod to clot.

Alternative Names

Hypoprothrombinemia; Prothrombin deficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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 II 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 too low or missing, the chain reaction does not take place normally. In this disorder, bleeding ranges from mild to severe.

A congenital factor II deficiency is a very rare disorder that runs in families (inherited). 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 risk factor.

Acquired factor II deficiency is common and results from a lack (deficiency) of vitamin K, severe liver disease, and use of drugs that prevent clotting (anticoagulants). Risk factors for vitamin K deficiency are long-term use of antibiotics, bile duct obstruction, and poor absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract (intestinal malabsorption). Some newborns are born with vitamin K deficiency.

Symptoms

Umbilical cord bleeding at birth
Nose bleeds
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
Abnormal bleeding after delivery
Bleeding after trauma
Bleeding after surgery
Bruising

Signs and tests

Treatment

Blood loss can be controlled by getting fresh or frozen plasma or concentrates of clotting factors into the blood. If the disorder is caused by a lack of vitamin K, then the person will take vitamin K. Diagnosing a bleeding disorder is important so that the doctor can take extra care if the patient needs surgery.

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)

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 you control the liver problem. Taking vitamin K will treat vitamin K deficiency.

Complications

Bleeding into the brain or skull 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, the use of vitamin K can help. Long-term antibiotic use may help prevent problems.

References

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

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2006: 741.

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

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.