Work

Factor VII deficiency is more prevalent than previously reported

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The prevalence of factor (F)VII deficiency is estimated at approximately 1 of 500,000 individuals. However, low FVII activity (FVII:C) is frequently observed in a population of <500,000 in the region of Östergötland, Sweden. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and bleeding tendency of adult FVII-deficient patients in Östergötland, Sweden. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the laboratory information system was used to identify adult patients with at least one FVII:C result ≤ 0.50 kilo International Units per Liter (kIU/L) between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. The most likely cause was established, and in patients with a FVII deficiency, as defined by the Nordic Hemophilia Council (FVII:C < 0.35 kIU/L) or low FVII level (0.35-0.50 kIU/L), the bleeding tendency was evaluated. Results: = .01). Of the FVII-deficient patients, 38% were asymptomatic, while 19% and 24% had experienced minor and major spontaneous bleedings, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of FVII deficiency was estimated to be at least 1 of 17,800 adults, which is 28 times higher than the internationally claimed prevalence. Spontaneous bleeding occurred in 43% of these individuals.

Source: Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis

DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2025.103284

Authors: Lukas Löwing Svensson, Elisabeth Aardal, Margareta Holmström

Institutions: Linköping University, Region Östergötland

Language: English

Topic: Hemophilia Treatment and Research

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,250