Disorder - Factor XI deficiency

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Factor VIII deficiency (Haemophilia A); Factor IX deficiency (Haemophilia B); Factor XII deficiency (Hageman trait); Factor X deficiency

Alternative Names
Plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA) deficiency; Haemophilia C

Presenting Signs

When blood clots, it undergoes processes called the primary and secondary blood clotting pathways; successful clotting relies on both of these pathways. In the primary pathway a platelet plug forms (platelets are the tiny blood cells responsible for clotting). The secondary pathway involves formation of fibrin, a protein that stabilises the platelet plug. Factor XI is one of the essential blood clotting factors associated with the secondary blood clotting pathway. Factor XI deficiency interrupts the blood clotting pathway, preventing successful clotting and resulting in uncontrolled bleeding. Inherited Factor XI deficiency is a very rare disorder of cats, with only one case reported in 2002. Clinic signs are usually absent or mild; they include bruising, bleeding from the nose and gums, or blood in the urine. They may only be noticed if the animal has surgery or is subjected to trauma. Bleeding usually starts 12-24 hours after surgery or the accident, and can range from mild to severe and prolonged.

Cats at Risk

Inherited Factor XI deficiency tends to present clinically in younger cats (less than one year old). Based on studies in humans, cattle and dogs, both genders are equally predisposed.

Treatment

Medical: fresh-frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate supernatant plasma transfusion is the treatment of choice. Multiple transfusions may be necessary in severely affected animal.

PubMed References
Factor XI deficiency

Contributor
Candy Wong