Post-natal development of factor II (pre-prothrombin and prothrombin) in man

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Coagulation Factor Research
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Coagulation factor II (prothrombin) is crucial for hemostasis.
• Understanding its postnatal development is vital for pediatric care.
• Limited data exists on factor II maturation in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the postnatal development of coagulation factor II.
• To determine the age at which adult levels are achieved.
• To compare different assay methods for factor II determination.

Main Methods:

• Immunochemical determination of factor II.
• Assays using Owren and Aas method.
• Staphylocoagulase reagent assay.

Main Results:

• Plasma factor II levels were lowest between 4-7 months.
• Levels gradually increased during the first year of life.
• Adult factor II ranges were attained by 15-120 days of age using specific assays.

Conclusions:

• Coagulation factor II shows significant postnatal maturation.
• Adult levels are reached relatively early in infancy.
• Assay methodology influences the determination of adult range attainment.