Factor XIII deficiency most often presents with delayed bleeding tendency.

Factor XIII deficiency most often presents with delayed bleeding tendency.

• A. Delayed Bleeding Tendency
• B. Clinically Inapparent
• C. Severe Bleeding Responsive to DDAVP
• D. Severe Bleeding Not Responsive to DDAVP

Answer: (A)

Factor XIII stabilizes the clot by cross-linking fibrin strands. Without this cross-linking, clots form but are unstable and can continue to break down over time, leading to bleeding that appears days after the initial injury or surgery—the delayed bleeding tendency. This delayed presentation is the classic clue for Factor XIII deficiency, and standard tests like PT and aPTT are usually normal, since the problem lies with clot stabilization rather than formation. Desmopressin (DDAVP) raises levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII, not Factor XIII, so bleeding in Factor XIII deficiency is not typically responsive to DDAVP.

Factor XIII stabilizes the clot by cross-linking fibrin strands. Without this cross-linking, clots form but are unstable and can continue to break down over time, leading to bleeding that appears days after the initial injury or surgery—the delayed bleeding tendency. This delayed presentation is the classic clue for Factor XIII deficiency, and standard tests like PT and aPTT are usually normal, since the problem lies with clot stabilization rather than formation. Desmopressin (DDAVP) raises levels of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII, not Factor XIII, so bleeding in Factor XIII deficiency is not typically responsive to DDAVP.