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Factor X Deficiency

Table of Contents

Factor X Deficiency

Congenital Stuart Factor Deficiency, Stuart-Prower Factor Deficiency; F10 Deficiency

Factor X deficiency is a rare disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot. The severity of the disorder and the associated symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. It commonly causes nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding of the gums, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding following injury. Learn more about factor X deficiency.

Heavy bleeding

Image by Jamin Mahmood of Vulvani

About

Nosebleeds

Image by User:Ragesoss

Nosebleeds

A three year old with a minor nosebleed, from falling and hitting the floor with his face. Nosebleeds like this one normally resolve within a few minutes.

Image by User:Ragesoss

What Is Factor X Deficiency?

Factor X deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder that varies in severity among affected individuals. The signs and symptoms of this condition can begin at any age, although the most severe cases are apparent in childhood. Factor X deficiency commonly causes nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding under the skin, bleeding of the gums, blood in the urine (hematuria), and prolonged or excessive bleeding following surgery or trauma. Women with factor X deficiency can have heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) or excessive bleeding in childbirth, and may be at increased risk of pregnancy loss (miscarriage). Bleeding into joint spaces (hemarthrosis) occasionally occurs. Severely affected individuals have an increased risk of bleeding inside the skull (intracranial hemorrhage), in the lungs (pulmonary hemorrhage), or in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be life-threatening.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics

Additional Materials (1)

Cell with DNA

DNA molecule unwinding from a chromosome inside the nucleus of a cell.

Image by NHGRI

Cell with DNA

NHGRI

Causes

Structure of the F10 protein

Image by Emw

Structure of the F10 protein

Structure of the F10 protein

Image by Emw

What Causes Factor X Deficiency?

The inherited form of factor X deficiency, known as congenital factor X deficiency, is caused by mutations in the F10 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called coagulation factor X. This protein plays a critical role in the coagulation system, which is a series of chemical reactions that forms blood clots in response to injury. Some F10 gene mutations that cause factor X deficiency reduce the amount of coagulation factor X in the bloodstream, resulting in a form of the disorder called type I. Other F10 gene mutations result in the production of a coagulation factor X protein with impaired function, leading to type II factor X deficiency. Reduced quantity or function of coagulation factor X prevents blood from clotting normally, causing episodes of abnormal bleeding that can be severe.

A non-inherited form of the disorder, called acquired factor X deficiency, is more common than the congenital form. Acquired factor X deficiency can be caused by other disorders such as severe liver disease or systemic amyloidosis, a condition involving the accumulation of abnormal proteins called amyloids. Acquired factor X deficiency can also be caused by certain drugs such as medicines that prevent clotting, or by a deficiency of vitamin K.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics

F10 Gene

Ideogram of human chromosome 13

Image by Office of Biological and Environmental Research of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, the Biological and Environmental Research Information System, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Ideogram of human chromosome 13

Selected genes, traits, and disorders associated with the chromosome listed; (blue and violet) regions reflecting the unique patterns of light and dark bands seen on human chromosomes stained to allow viewing through a light microscope; (red) the centromere, or constricted portion, of each chromosome; (yellow) chromosomal regions that vary in staining intensity and sometimes are called hererochromatin (meaning “different color”); (lines between yellow) variable regions, called stalks, that connect a very small chromosome arm (a “satellite”) to the chromosome.

Image by Office of Biological and Environmental Research of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, the Biological and Environmental Research Information System, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

F10 Gene: Coagulation Factor X

Normal Function

The F10 gene provides instructions for making a protein called coagulation factor X. Coagulation factors are a group of related proteins that are involved in the coagulation system, which is a series of chemical reactions that form blood clots. After an injury, clots seal off blood vessels to stop bleeding and trigger blood vessel repair.

Coagulation factor X is made primarily by cells in the liver. The protein circulates in the bloodstream in an inactive form until the coagulation system is turned on (activated) by an injury that damages blood vessels. When coagulation factor X is activated, it interacts with other coagulation factors to convert an important coagulation protein called prothrombin to its active form, thrombin. Thrombin then converts a protein called fibrinogen into fibrin, which is the material that forms blood clots.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Factor X deficiency

At least 130 mutations in the F10 gene have been found to cause a rare bleeding disorder called factor X deficiency. This disorder commonly causes nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding under the skin, bleeding of the gums, blood in the urine (hematuria), and prolonged or excessive bleeding following surgery or trauma. Some F10 gene mutations that cause factor X deficiency reduce the amount of coagulation factor X in the bloodstream, resulting in a form of the disorder called type I. Other F10 gene mutations result in the production of a coagulation factor X protein with impaired function, leading to type II factor X deficiency. Reduced quantity or function of coagulation factor X prevents blood from clotting normally, causing episodes of abnormal bleeding that can be severe.

Other Names for This Gene

autoprothrombin III
prothrombinase
Prower factor
Stuart factor
Stuart-Prower factor

Genomic Location

The F10 gene is found on chromosome 13.

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics

Inheritance

Newborn autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance

Image by Thomas Shafee and TheVisualMD

Newborn autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance

Newborn autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance

Image by Thomas Shafee and TheVisualMD

How Is Factor X Deficiency Inherited?

The inherited form of factor X deficiency is passed down in families in an autosomal recessive pattern. Everyone inherits two copies of each gene. To inherit factor X deficiency, a person must have a genetic change (mutation) in both copies of the F10 gene in each cell. There is nothing either parent can do, before or during a pregnancy, to cause a child to have this.

People with autosomal recessive disorders inherit one copy of the gene with a mutation from each of their parents. In most cases, each parent has a mutation in only one copy of the gene and is known as a carrier. Carriers of an autosomal recessive disorder typically do not have any signs or symptoms (they are unaffected). When two carriers of factor X deficiency have children, each child has a:

25% (1 in 4) chance to have factor X deficiency
50% (1 in 2) chance to be a carrier like each parent
25% (1 in 4) chance to be unaffected and not be a carrier

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Symptoms

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Blood and Bleeding

Image by Luis Moraga 17/Wikimedia

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Blood and Bleeding

blood

Image by Luis Moraga 17/Wikimedia

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Factor X Deficiency?

The symptoms of Factor X deficiency can be different for each person and can start at any age. Symptoms may include frequent nosebleeds, bruising easily, bleeding under the skin, and increased bleeding in the gums. Women with Factor X deficiency may have extra heavy bleeding during their periods and during childbirth, and are at increased risk for pregnancy complications. In more severe forms of Factor X deficiency, symptoms may include bleeding into joints and into the brain (intracranial hemorrhage).

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (1)

Demonstration of how to apply pressure to stop a nosebleed

Demonstration of how to apply pressure to stop a nosebleed

Image by TenarAiuola

Demonstration of how to apply pressure to stop a nosebleed

TenarAiuola

Diagnosis

Blood Clot

Image by Mark Ellisman and Thomas Deerinck National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research University of California, San Diego

Blood Clot

Image by Mark Ellisman and Thomas Deerinck National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research University of California, San Diego

How Is Factor X Deficiency Diagnosed?

F10 gene may also be helpful for diagnosis.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Prothrombin Time and INR Test

Prothrombin Time Test and INR

Also called: PT/INR, Prothrombin Time, Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio, PT Protime, INR

A prothrombin time test (PT) measures the time it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. An INR is a calculation based on the results of a PT test. A PT/INR test is used to see if your blood is clotting normally and if warfarin is effective in treating clotting disorders.

Prothrombin Time Test and INR

Also called: PT/INR, Prothrombin Time, Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio, PT Protime, INR

A prothrombin time test (PT) measures the time it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. An INR is a calculation based on the results of a PT test. A PT/INR test is used to see if your blood is clotting normally and if warfarin is effective in treating clotting disorders.

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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
sec
11
13.5
Your result is Normal.
The average time range for blood to clot is about 11 to 13.5 seconds. If you are taking blood thinning drugs, your results should be interpreted using the international normalized ratio (INR).
Related conditions
{"label":"INR reference range","description":"The international normalized ratio (INR) is a standardized way of expressing the prothrombin time (PT) \u2014 the clotting test used to measure the effect of a blood thinner, such as warfarin \u2014 by comparing it to a reference value. This ensures that results obtained by different laboratories can be compared reliably. INR is expressed as a number.","scale":"lin","step":0.1,"items":[{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Low","long":"Low","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":2},"text":"If the INR is below the target range there is an increased risk of clotting. The dose of blood thinner may be increased to get the PT\/INR blood test into the correct range.","conditions":["Early stages of disseminated intravascular coagulation","Cancer (except in the liver)","Severe tissue inflammation or trauma","Errors when taking or processing the blood sample"]},{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Optimal","long":"Optimal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":2,"max":3},"text":"The target (optimal therapeutic) INR range depends on why you are taking the blood thinner. In most cases the target INR range will be between 2 and 3, although other ranges may be chosen if there are special circumstances.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"High","long":"High","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":3,"max":6},"text":"If the INR is above the target range there is an increased risk of uncontrolled or dangerous bleeding. Close monitoring is needed until the risk of bleeding is reduced. The dose of blood thinner may be lowered to get the PT\/INR blood test into the correct range.","conditions":["Bleeding disorders","Liver disease","Low level of vitamin K","Insufficiency of one or more proteins involved in the coagulation cascade","Disseminated intravascular coagulation"]}],"units":[{"printSymbol":"{INR}","code":"{INR}","name":"international normalized ratio"}],"hideunits":false,"value":2.5}[{"abnormal":0},{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
{INR}
2
3
Your result is Optimal.
The target (optimal therapeutic) INR range depends on why you are taking the blood thinner. In most cases the target INR range will be between 2 and 3, although other ranges may be chosen if there are special circumstances.
Related conditions
A PT/INR test is most often used to:
- See how well warfarin, an anti-coagulant or blood-thinning medicine, is working to prevent blood clots. (Coumadin is a common brand name for warfarin.) Your provider may change your dose based on these results.
- Find out the reason for abnormal blood clots.
- Find out the reason for unusual bleeding.
- Check clotting ability before a procedure or surgery that may cause bleeding.
- Check for liver problems.
- Check for vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting.
A PT/INR test is often done along with a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test. A PTT test also checks for clotting problems but looks at different coagulation factors than the PT test.
If you are regularly taking warfarin, you may need this test to make sure you are taking the right dose. Your provider will let you know how often you need to get the test to monitor your dose.
If you are not taking warfarin, you may need this test if you have symptoms of a bleeding or clotting disorder.
Symptoms of a bleeding disorder include:
- Unexplained heavy bleeding
- Bruising easily
- Unusually heavy nose bleeds
- Unusually heavy menstrual periods in women
Symptoms of a clotting disorder include:
- Leg pain or tenderness
- Leg swelling
- Redness or darkening of the skin on the leg
- Skin that feels warm
- Trouble breathing
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat and breathing
In addition, you may need a PT/INR test if you are scheduled for surgery. It helps make sure your blood is clotting normally, so you won't lose too much blood during the procedure.
The test may be done on a blood sample from a vein or a fingertip.
For a blood sample from a vein:
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
For a blood sample from a fingertip:
A fingertip test may be done in a provider's office or in your home. If you have been taking warfarin for a long time, you may be trained to take your blood sample with an at-home testing kit. Your provider may recommend you test your blood regularly using an at-home PT/INR test kit. During this test, you or your provider will:
- Use a small needle to puncture your fingertip.
- Collect a drop of blood and place it onto a test strip or other special instrument.
- Place the instrument or test strip into a device that calculates the results. At-home devices are small and lightweight.
If you are using an at-home test kit, you will need to review your results with your provider. Your provider will let you know how they would like to receive the results.
If you were tested because you are taking warfarin or have certain health conditions, your results will probably be in the form of INR levels:
- INR levels that are too low may mean you are at risk for dangerous blood clots because your blood clots too easily.
- INR levels that are too high may mean you are at risk for dangerous bleeding because your blood is taking longer than normal to form a clot.
If your INR is not normal, your provider will probably change your dose of warfarin.
If you are not taking warfarin, your results may be in the form of a PT time, which is the number of seconds it takes for your blood sample to clot (prothrombin time).
If you are not taking warfarin and your INR or prothrombin time results are not normal, it may be a sign of that your blood is not clotting normally.
- If your PT/INR levels are too low, your blood is clotting too quickly. This may be due to:
  A clotting disorder, a condition in which your body forms too many clots in arteries or veins. Clots can form when you don't have an injury, or they don't dissolve when they should.
  Supplements with vitamin K, or a diet high in vitamin K.
  Certain medicines.
- If your PT/INR levels are too high, your blood is clotting too slowly. This may be due to:
  A bleeding disorder, a condition in which your body can't clot blood well. When you have an injury or a procedure that may cause bleeding, it may cause too much bleeding.
  Liver disease.
  Vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting.
Be sure to tell your provider if you are taking any medicines or supplements. Some may affect your results. Other things that may affect your PT/INR results include:
- Alcohol
- Foods high in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables
- Soybean and canola oils
- High-fat diets
Ask your provider what you should avoid before your PT/INR test.
To understand the results of a PT/INR test, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other blood tests.
Sometimes certain liver tests are ordered along with a PT/INR test. These include:
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
1. Prothrombin Time Test and INR (PT/INR): MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on May 18, 2024]
2. Prothrombin time (PT): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Mar 06, 2024]
3. PT/INR Test (Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio) - Testing.com. Nov 9, 2021 [accessed on Mar 06, 2024]
4. Patient education: Warfarin (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate [accessed on Mar 06, 2024]

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (10)

Prothrombin Time (PT): Pulmonary Embolism

The most dangerous complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is pulmonary embolism, which occurs when an embolism travels through the heart and into the lungs. There it lodges in an artery, typically where the artery forks, and blocks blood flow. During an episode of pulmonary embolism, the lungs may be showered with blood clots. The lungs are particularly vulnerable to embolisms because all the blood in the body passes through the lungs every time it circulates.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood clots

This medical illustration reveals how the SHELTERTM device traps and removes blood clots in the brain.

Image by Zina Deretsky, NSF

Blood clots

Red blood cells trapped in a fibrin network in a blood clot.

Image by Fuzis

Factors V, VII, KIF6: Thrombosis

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. If the clot is large or persistent enough, it can obstruct blood flow, which can starve tissue or entire organs of oxygen-carrying blood. Most strokes are the result of thrombosis.

Image by TheVisualMD

Platelets: Thrombus Formation

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel. If the clot is large or persistent enough, it can obstruct blood flow, which can starve tissue of oxygen-carrying blood. Most strokes are the result of thrombosis.

Image by TheVisualMD

Skin Cross Section with Razor Cut

When the skin is injured an inflammatory response is triggered to rid the body of harmful invaders. To begin this response mast cells and basophils secrete chemical signals that promote blood flow to the area.

Image by TheVisualMD

INR Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

Video by NURSINGcom/YouTube

How to interpret a prothrombin time (PT) test

Video by Medmastery/YouTube

Coagulation Tests (PT, aPTT, TT, Fibrinogen, Mixing Studies,..etc)

Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

Prothrombin Time and Activated Prothrombin Time

Video by LabsforLifeProject/YouTube

Prothrombin Time (PT): Pulmonary Embolism

TheVisualMD

Blood clots

Zina Deretsky, NSF

Blood clots

Fuzis

Factors V, VII, KIF6: Thrombosis

TheVisualMD

Platelets: Thrombus Formation

TheVisualMD

Skin Cross Section with Razor Cut

TheVisualMD

3:41

INR Nursing Considerations, Normal Range, Nursing Care, Lab Values Nursing

NURSINGcom/YouTube

4:25

How to interpret a prothrombin time (PT) test

Medmastery/YouTube

19:22

Coagulation Tests (PT, aPTT, TT, Fibrinogen, Mixing Studies,..etc)

Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube

30:28

Prothrombin Time and Activated Prothrombin Time

LabsforLifeProject/YouTube

Prothrombin Home Test

Prothrombin Home Test

Also called: PT/INR Self-Monitoring, Prothrombin Time

If you take blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin or Warfarin, you may need to test your blood regularly to make sure it clots properly. The PT/INR monitor is a patient self-testing system designed for testing capillary whole blood for clotting time in the comfort of your home.

Prothrombin Home Test

Also called: PT/INR Self-Monitoring, Prothrombin Time

If you take blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin or Warfarin, you may need to test your blood regularly to make sure it clots properly. The PT/INR monitor is a patient self-testing system designed for testing capillary whole blood for clotting time in the comfort of your home.

{"label":"Protime reference range","description":"A prothrombin time (PT) test measures the time it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. PT is measured in seconds. The average time range for blood to clot is about 11 to 13.5 seconds. A shortened or prolonged clotting time may be a sign of a bleeding disorder or excessive clotting disorder.","scale":"lin","step":0.1,"items":[{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Shortened","long":"Shortened","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":11},"text":"Shortened PT results refer to a \u201cthick blood,\u201d which means that blood clots form easily in the blood.","conditions":["Early stages of disseminated intravascular coagulation","Cancer (except in the liver)","Severe tissue inflammation or trauma","Errors when taking or processing the blood sample"]},{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":11,"max":13.5},"text":"The average time range for blood to clot is about 11 to 13.5 seconds. If you are taking blood thinning drugs, your results should be interpreted using the international normalized ratio (INR).","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Prolonged","long":"Prolonged","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":13.5,"max":25},"text":"A prolonged PT result means that the blood is taking too long to form a clot. This may indicate excessive blood thinning.","conditions":["Intake of blood thinners (such as warfarin)","Bleeding disorders","Liver disease","Low level of vitamin K","Insufficiency of one or more proteins involved in the coagulation cascade","Disseminated intravascular coagulation"]}],"units":[{"printSymbol":"sec","code":"s","name":"seconds"}],"hideunits":false,"value":12.2}[{"abnormal":0},{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your health.
sec
11
13.5
Your result is Normal.
The average time range for blood to clot is about 11 to 13.5 seconds. If you are taking blood thinning drugs, your results should be interpreted using the international normalized ratio (INR).
Related conditions

Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."

Additional Materials (18)

Hemophilia - blood clotting factors

Drawing the mixed Antihemophilic Factor / Sterile Saline into syringes for injection. Jacob recieves 7 syringes each Friday. What is Hemophilia? Blood clotting, or coagulation, is the process that controls bleeding. It changes blood from a liquid to a solid. It's a complex process involving as many as 20 different plasma proteins, or blood clotting factors. Normally, a complex chemical process occurs using these clotting factors to form a substance called fibrin that stops bleeding. When certain coagulation factors are deficient or missing, the process doesn't occur normally. In people with bleeding disorders, clotting factors are missing or don't work as they should. This causes them to bleed for a longer time, bruise easier and have greater joint pain than those whose blood factor levels are normal.

Image by Jkgroove

Warfarin tablets

Warfarin tablets, 5, 3 and 1mg, photo by Gonegonegone, taken this date. Pink = 5mg, blue = 3mg, brown = 1mg.

Image by Gonegonegone at English Wikipedia

Hemarthrosis

Hemarthrosis Medical X-rays.

Image by Nevit Dilmen (talk)

Hemarthrosis - Bleeding into the joints. It may arise from trauma or spontaneously in patients with hemophilia.

Hemarthrosis Medical X-rays.

Image by Nevit Dilmen (talk)

Blood clots

This medical illustration reveals how the SHELTERTM device traps and removes blood clots in the brain.

Image by Zina Deretsky, NSF

Prothrombin Time (PT): Healthy Blood Clotting

When a blood vessel is injured (for instance, when the skin is cut), a cascade of reactions takes place almost at once in order to stanch the flow of blood and lay the groundwork for healing. This process is called blood clotting, or coagulation. Immediately after a vessel has been injured, cells in the blood called platelets form a plug at the site of injury. Simultaneously, proteins in the blood, called coagulation factors or clotting factors, respond in a complex cascade to form fibrin strands. The fibrin strands reinforce the platelet plug.

Image by TheVisualMD

Blood Clot

Image by Mark Ellisman and Thomas Deerinck National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research University of California, San Diego

Coumadin (Warfarin) and Vitamin K

Document by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Drawing syringes with needle

Drawing the mixed Antihemophilic Factor / Sterile Saline into syringes for injection. Jacob recieves 7 syringes each Friday. What is Hemophilia? Blood clotting, or coagulation, is the process that controls bleeding. It changes blood from a liquid to a solid. It's a complex process involving as many as 20 different plasma proteins, or blood clotting factors. Normally, a complex chemical process occurs using these clotting factors to form a substance called fibrin that stops bleeding. When certain coagulation factors are deficient or missing, the process doesn't occur normally. In people with bleeding disorders, clotting factors are missing or don't work as they should. This causes them to bleed for a longer time, bruise easier and have greater joint pain than those whose blood factor levels are normal.

Image by Jkgroove/Wikimeda

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Prothrombin Time (PT): Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, typically the lower leg or thigh. If such clots travel to the lungs, they can cause pulmonary embolisms, which can damage tissue and impair the lungs' ability to supply oxygen to the body. Although anyone can develop DVT, such clots are often associated with prolonged bed rest, long periods of sitting in a cramped position, old age, or blood clotting disorders. Obesity, surgery, pregnancy, heart failure, cancer, smoking, and being tall can also elevate risk.

Image by TheVisualMD

Prothrombin Time (PT): Pulmonary Embolism

The most dangerous complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is pulmonary embolism, which occurs when an embolism travels through the heart and into the lungs. There it lodges in an artery, typically where the artery forks, and blocks blood flow. During an episode of pulmonary embolism, the lungs may be showered with blood clots. The lungs are particularly vulnerable to embolisms because all the blood in the body passes through the lungs every time it circulates.

Image by TheVisualMD

How a Clot Can Become a Pulmonary Embolism

Video by American Society of Hematology/YouTube

How dangerous are blood clots?

Video by CNN/YouTube

5 facts about Factor V Leiden

Video by Comprehensive Bleeding Disorders Center/YouTube

Thrombophilia and Relative Risk for DVT and Venous Thromboembolism

Video by Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian/YouTube

How does a blood clot pass from the leg to the lung? Anatomy.

Video by Sam Webster/YouTube

Platelet Activation and Factors for Clot Formation

Video by Thrombosis Adviser/YouTube

How Blood Clots Form

Video by Vascular Cures/YouTube

Hemophilia - blood clotting factors

Jkgroove

Warfarin tablets

Gonegonegone at English Wikipedia

Hemarthrosis

Nevit Dilmen (talk)

Hemarthrosis - Bleeding into the joints. It may arise from trauma or spontaneously in patients with hemophilia.

Nevit Dilmen (talk)

Blood clots

Zina Deretsky, NSF

Prothrombin Time (PT): Healthy Blood Clotting

TheVisualMD

Blood Clot

Mark Ellisman and Thomas Deerinck National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research University of California, San Diego

Coumadin (Warfarin) and Vitamin K

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Drawing syringes with needle

Jkgroove/Wikimeda

Sensitive content

This media may include sensitive content

Prothrombin Time (PT): Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

TheVisualMD

Prothrombin Time (PT): Pulmonary Embolism

TheVisualMD

0:41

How a Clot Can Become a Pulmonary Embolism

American Society of Hematology/YouTube

1:27

How dangerous are blood clots?

CNN/YouTube

2:32

5 facts about Factor V Leiden

Comprehensive Bleeding Disorders Center/YouTube

3:50

Thrombophilia and Relative Risk for DVT and Venous Thromboembolism

Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian/YouTube

14:44

How does a blood clot pass from the leg to the lung? Anatomy.

Sam Webster/YouTube

2:08

Platelet Activation and Factors for Clot Formation

Thrombosis Adviser/YouTube

3:56

How Blood Clots Form

Vascular Cures/YouTube

Treatment

Two units of platelets and two units of plasma from an hour and a half of apheresis

Image by Peter Kazanjy

Two units of platelets and two units of plasma from an hour and a half of apheresis

Pete, this used to be in you! Two units of platelets and two units of plasma from an hour and a half of apheresis at the Stanford Blood Center. The apheresis machine pulls blood out of your arm, sends it through a centrifuge separating it by densities. The machine can pull the components that are needed, and return the parts that aren't. In this case, all my red blood cells were returned. In this case, because I'm AB+ and cytomegalovirus negative (some mild virus that like 60% of the adult population latently has), my platelets and plasma are particularly helpful for immuno-compromised patients, like babies, burn victims, and AIDS patients. And the best thing? Stanford Blood Center has wifi, so I could one-handedly email the whole time. Sweet!

Image by Peter Kazanjy

How Might Factor X Deficiency Be Treated?

Factor X deficiency is treated when a bleeding episode occurs. Treatment includes giving clotting factors or plasma through a vein (intravenously). Patients can also be given factor X protein directly through a vein. People with factor X deficiency due to vitamin K deficiency may be given additional vitamin K.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Prognosis

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Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

Prognosis Icon

Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Factor X Deficiency?

With treatment, people with both the mild and more severe forms of factor X deficiency have a good outlook.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

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Factor X Deficiency

Factor X deficiency is a rare disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot. The severity of the disorder and the associated symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. It commonly causes nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding of the gums, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding following injury. Learn more about factor X deficiency.

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