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| Factor VII Deficiency.. (Proconvertin).. |
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| Factor VII Deficiency.. (Proconvertin).. |
| This disorder is rare, occurring in one in 500,000 males and females. Diagnosis is made by testing for Factor VII in the blood. Congenital Factor VII deficiency should be distinguished from acquired Factor VII deficiency that may result from liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or other malabsorption conditions.
When levels of the factor are less than 1% of normal, bleeding can be severe. The trauma of birth may cause bleeding in the head of a newborn. Circumcision may cause heavy bleeding. Children and adults may suffer bleeding from nose, gums, or gastrointestinal tract, and women may suffer excessive menstrual bleeding. Severe bleeding may be treated with fresh frozen plasma or PCCs. Because the half-life of infused Factor VII is very short, patients may require treatment every 4 or 6 hours for severe bleeding or surgery. |
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