Delayed bleeding is a hallmark of deficiency of which coagulation factor?

Delayed bleeding is a hallmark of deficiency of which coagulation factor?

• A. Factor VIII
• B. Factor IX
• C. Factor XI
• D. Factor XIII

Answer: (D)

Delayed bleeding comes from a clot that forms but does not stay stable. Factor XIII is the enzyme that cross-links fibrin to stabilize the clot, making it resistant to breakdown. If Factor XIII is deficient, the initial fibrin clot forms but isn’t locked in place, so it tends to break down later, causing bleeding hours or days after the injury. This pattern is characteristic of Factor XIII deficiency, whereas deficiencies of Factor VIII or IX (hemophilia A or B) or Factor XI disrupt early clot formation or initiation and typically don’t produce this delayed stabilization defect.

Delayed bleeding comes from a clot that forms but does not stay stable. Factor XIII is the enzyme that cross-links fibrin to stabilize the clot, making it resistant to breakdown. If Factor XIII is deficient, the initial fibrin clot forms but isn’t locked in place, so it tends to break down later, causing bleeding hours or days after the injury. This pattern is characteristic of Factor XIII deficiency, whereas deficiencies of Factor VIII or IX (hemophilia A or B) or Factor XI disrupt early clot formation or initiation and typically don’t produce this delayed stabilization defect.