ABSTRACT

Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare inherited bleeding disorder affecting about 1 in 500 000 individuals. It has a wide range of clinical presentations, from moderate or even asymptomatic forms that do not correlate well with FVII plasma levels to severe and potentially fatal bleeding. As a result, dealing with FVII-deficient patients during surgery or for long-term prophylaxis is difficult. Laboratory testing for FVII activity, in addition to clinical history, is the first-line method for diagnosing FVII deficiency and aids in patient management.