Factor XIII deficiency – Clinical features, Diagnosis

Clinical features of Factor XIII deficiency
  • History of prolonged bleeding from umbilical stump
  • Delayed bleeding
  • Recurrent abortions

Diagnosis (Investigations)

  • Prothrombin time and Activated partial thromboplastin time are normal
    • Factor XIII is needed for stabilization of fibrin clot
    • Intrinsic and extrinsic pathways are not affected
  • Clot stability in 5M urea – qualitative test
    • Normal clot remains stable in 5M urea
    • But in cases of Factor XIII deficiency, the clot dissolves
    • But it becomes positive only in very severe deficiency
  • Quantitative factor XIII assay – using photometry