What are the implications of Factor V (Coagulation factor 5) deficiency?

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Last updated: May 20, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Factor V deficiency is not directly addressed in the provided evidence, which focuses on Factor X deficiency, but based on the understanding of bleeding disorders, it is crucial to manage Factor V deficiency with replacement therapy and precautions to prevent bleeding complications, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The management of bleeding disorders like Factor V deficiency involves understanding the severity of the condition and the risk of bleeding. Although the provided evidence discusses Factor X deficiency, the principles of managing bleeding disorders can be applied broadly.

  • Key aspects of managing such conditions include:
    • Diagnosis through blood tests to measure clotting time and factor levels
    • Treatment with replacement therapy, such as fresh frozen plasma, during bleeding episodes or before surgical procedures
    • Avoidance of medications that affect blood clotting, like aspirin and NSAIDs, unless approved by a hematologist
    • Carrying medical identification and informing healthcare providers about the condition before any procedures Given the rarity and variability in severity of inherited bleeding disorders, management should be tailored to the individual's specific condition and needs, with a focus on preventing bleeding complications and improving quality of life. While the evidence provided [ 1 ] does not directly address Factor V deficiency, it highlights the importance of understanding the disease overview, classification, and clinical manifestations in managing rare bleeding disorders, which can inform the approach to Factor V deficiency.

From the Research

Factor 5 Deficiency

  • Factor V (FV) is a glycoprotein that plays a pivotal role in hemostasis, being involved in coagulant and anticoagulant pathways 2.
  • Congenital FV deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with an incidence of 1 per million live births, considering the most severe homozygous form 2.
  • FV deficiency can be caused by mutations in the FV gene or in genes encoding components of a putative cargo receptor that transports FV (and factor VIII) from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi 3.

Clinical Symptoms

  • Clinical symptoms of FV deficiency are variable, ranging from mild ecchymoses and mucosal bleeding to life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage 2.
  • The most commonly reported symptoms are bleeding from mucosal surfaces and postoperative haemorrhage 3.
  • Haemarthroses and intramuscular and intracranial haemorrhages can also occur 3.

Treatment

  • Fresh-frozen plasma remains the mainstay of treatment for FV deficiency 4, 2, 3.
  • Antifibrinolytics can also provide benefit, especially for mucosal bleeding 3.
  • In refractory cases, or for patients with inhibitors, prothrombin complex concentrates, recombinant activated FVIIa, and platelet transfusions have been successfully used 3.
  • A novel plasma-derived FV concentrate has been developed and shown to be effective in correcting "in vitro" severe FV deficiency in patients 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Clinical, Laboratory, and Molecular Aspects of Factor V Deficiency.

Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis, 2025

Research

Factor V deficiency: a concise review.

Haemophilia : the official journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia, 2008

Research

Guideline for the use of fresh-frozen plasma. Medical Directors Advisory Committee, National Blood Transfusion Council.

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde, 1998

Research

"In vitro" correction of the severe factor V deficiency-related coagulopathy by a novel plasma-derived factor V concentrate.

Haemophilia : the official journal of the World Federation of Hemophilia, 2018

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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