Factor II deficiency

• Illustrations
• Alternative names
• Definition
• Causes, incidence, and risk factors
• Symptoms
• Signs and tests

• Treatment
• Support Groups
• Expectations (prognosis)
• Complications
• Calling your health care provider
• Prevention

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Factor II deficiency is a disorder of blood clotting (coagulation) resulting from a deficiency of prothrombin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Normal blood coagulation is a complex process involving as many as 20 different plasma proteins, which are known as blood coagulation factors. A series of complex chemical reactions involving these factors takes place very rapidly to form an insoluble protein called fibrin that stops bleeding. When certain coagulation factors are deficient 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 inherited disorder that results in deficient blood clotting. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait (both parents are carriers). A family history of a bleeding disorder is a risk factor.

Acquired factor II deficiency is common and results from vitamin K deficiency, severe liver disease, and therapeutic use of anticoagulant drugs. Risk factors for vitamin K deficiency are prolonged use of antibiotics, bile duct obstruction, and intestinal malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract) disorders. Some newborns are born with vitamin K deficiency.

Symptoms    Return to top

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

Signs and tests    Return to top

• Prolonged prothrombin time
• Prolonged partial thromboplastin time
• Factor II assay showing decreased activity

Treatment    Return to top

Loss of blood can be controlled by infusions of fresh or frozen plasma or concentrates of clotting factors. If the disorder is caused by vitamin K deficiency, then vitamin K is prescribed. Diagnosis of a bleeding disorder is important so that precautionary measures can be taken if surgery is needed or anticipated.

Support Groups    Return to top

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See hemophilia - resources.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

This is a life-long bleeding disorder when it is inherited. If it is caused by liver disease, the outcome depends on the control of the liver problem. Vitamin K administration will correct vitamin K deficiency.

Complications    Return to top

Bleeding into the brain or skull can occur.

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have unexplained or prolonged blood loss, or if bleeding does not respond to the usual methods of control.

Prevention    Return to top

Genetic counseling may be helpful in the case of congenital disorders. The use of vitamin K in malabsorption and long-term antibiotic use may be preventive.