Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of FVII Deficiency

The most common symptoms of FVII deficiency, other than excessive bleeding after injury or invasive procedures, include the following:

  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Bleeding from the gums
  • Very heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Head bleeds in newborns
  • Heavier-than-normal bleeding at circumcision
  • Intestinal bleeding

There is a wide range of severity in FVII deficiency, but there does not seem to be a close relationship between FVII levels and severity. Some patients with undetectable levels have no symptoms. There are currently no explanations for this observation.

Diagnosing FVII Deficiency

FVII deficiency can be diagnosed as early as the time of birth. However, some people who have FVII deficiency grow into adulthood without knowing they have it.

The blood test that confirms FVII deficiency is a test called a clotting assay that measures the amount of time it takes to create a clot. Indicators of FVII deficiency include a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and a normal activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Based on test results, doctors can determine the severity of the FVII deficiency.

People with mild or moderate FVII deficiency:

  • Have 2-10% of the normal level of FVII
  • May or may not experience spontaneous bleeding episodes of any kind

People with severe FVII deficiency:

  • Have less than 2% of the normal level of FVII
  • May experience spontaneous bleeding episodes similar to someone with hemophilia