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Factor V deficiency

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Blood clot formation
Blood clot formation
Blood clots
Blood clots

Alternative Names    Return to top

Parahemophilia; Owren's disease

Definition    Return to top

Factor V deficiency is an inherited condition that affects the ability of the blood to clot.

Causes    Return to top

Normal blood coagulation is a complex process involving as many as 20 different proteins in blood plasma, which are known as blood coagulation factors. A series of complex chemical reactions using these factors takes place very rapidly to form a protein called fibrin, which stops bleeding.

Factor V deficiency is caused by a lack of the plasma protein Factor V. When certain coagulation factors are low or missing, the chain reaction does not take place normally. Factor V is rare, and can be caused by inheriting a defective Factor V gene or by acquiring an antibody that interferes with normal Factor V function.

You can acquire an inhibitor of Factor V:

Sometimes the cause is unknown.

The disease is similar to hemophilia, except bleeding into joints is less common. In the inherited form of Factor V deficiency, a family history of a bleeding disorder is a risk factor.

Excessive bleeding with menstrual periods and after delivery often occurs. Men and women are affected equally. About 1 person per 1 million has the disorder.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

You should receive fresh blood plasma or fresh frozen plasma infusions during a bleeding episode or after surgery. These treatments will correct the deficiency temporarily.

Support Groups    Return to top

You can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook is good with diagnosis and proper treatment.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Severe bleeding (hemorrhage) could occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have an unexplained or prolonged loss of blood.

Prevention    Return to top

This is an inherited disorder; there is no known prevention.

References    Return to top

Asselta R, Tenchini ML, Duga S. Inherited defects of coagulation Factor V: the hemorrhagic side. J Thromb Haemost. 2007;5:185-188.

Update Date: 3/24/2008

Updated by: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hem/One and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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