[Thrombelastometric detection of factor XIII deficiency]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
C F Weber1, C Jambor, M Marquardt
1Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt. weber@med.uni-frankfurt.de
Abstract:
While undergoing Whipple's operation (pancreaticoduodenectomy) a patient developed diffuse bleeding and an unexpectedly high blood loss. An intraoperatively performed thrombelastometry with ROTEM (Pentapharm, Munich, Germany) showed an aprotonin-resistant mild fibrinolysis and suggested the presence of an isolated deficiency of coagulation factor XIII. This was confirmed by a second thrombelastometry, where no lysis was seen after in vitro substitution of factor XIII. After administration of 1250 IU factor XIII concentrate the diffuse bleeding ceased and further substitution of coagulation factor concentrates or fresh frozen plasma was not necessary. A postoperatively performed analysis confirmed the factor XIII deficiency (52%).
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...

