Factor XIII deficiency presents with which characteristic feature?

Factor XIII deficiency presents with which characteristic feature?

• A. Abnormal aPTT
• B. Delayed bleeding
• C. Tissue damage
• D. Joint bleeds

Answer: (B)

Factor XIII is the fibrin-stabilizing factor that cross-links fibrin strands to make a clot durable. When this factor is deficient, the initial clot forms but is not properly stabilized, so it can break down later. This leads to bleeding that appears after an initial hemostatic event, i.e., delayed bleeding, which is the hallmark of Factor XIII deficiency. Because clot formation is largely intact, routine tests like aPTT and PT are usually normal, distinguishing this disorder from others that show immediate bleeding or prolonged clotting times. Joint bleeds are more typical of factor VIII or IX deficiencies, and tissue damage isn’t a defining feature of Factor XIII deficiency.

Factor XIII is the fibrin-stabilizing factor that cross-links fibrin strands to make a clot durable. When this factor is deficient, the initial clot forms but is not properly stabilized, so it can break down later. This leads to bleeding that appears after an initial hemostatic event, i.e., delayed bleeding, which is the hallmark of Factor XIII deficiency. Because clot formation is largely intact, routine tests like aPTT and PT are usually normal, distinguishing this disorder from others that show immediate bleeding or prolonged clotting times. Joint bleeds are more typical of factor VIII or IX deficiencies, and tissue damage isn’t a defining feature of Factor XIII deficiency.