Acquired prothrombin deficiency

Synonyms

3

Overview

A deficiency of prothrombin (vital for blood clotting) which is acquired through other conditions such as liver disease, anticoagulant drugs or vitamin K deficiency. The severity of symptoms is determined by the degree of deficiency.

Intracranial haemorrhage is a serious problem in haemostatic disorders in children. Intracranial bleeding is sometimes more marked than suspected clinically.

Symptoms

  • Bleeding tendency
  • Prothrombin deficiency
  • Nosebleeds
  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding
  • Easy bruising

Causes

Prothrombin deficiency (= factor II deficiency) can either be inherited or acquired. The inherited form is very rare. The acquired form is also uncommon, but can occur together with a lupus anticoagulant (which is one type of the antiphospholipid antibodies).

Prevention

Never take aspirin or anti-inflammatories. These increase the risk of bleeding by inhibiting platelet function, which increases the time it takes to form a clot. Some centres keep a list of suggested medications; ask if the centre has one

Diagnosis

Prothrombin (= factor II) is one of the approximately 15 clotting proteins that is needed to stop us from bleeding. If you are low in prothrombin, you have a tendency to bleed. The diagnosis is made by finding low factor II activity levels in the blood.

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.

Treatment

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Acquired prothrombin deficiency includes the following list. (a)Vitamin K administration, plasma infusion

Resources

  • NIH