Acquired and Isolated Deficiencies in Factor VII.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Coagulation Disorders

Background:

• Acquired factor VII deficiency is exceptionally rare.
• Previously reported cases are associated with severe sepsis or neoplastic pathologies.
• These deficiencies are typically caused by proteases or inhibitors.

Observation:

• This report details two distinct cases of acquired, isolated factor VII deficiency.
• Both cases involved the presence of factor VII inhibitors.
• The first patient's deficiency was linked to bacterial sepsis; the second to squamous cell carcinoma.

Findings:

• The study identified inhibitors against factor VII as the cause of deficiency in both patients.
• The underlying conditions were bacterial sepsis and squamous cell carcinoma, respectively.
• Diagnosis was confirmed in the Hematology Laboratory of CHU Ibn Rochd.

Implications:

• Factor VII deficiency can be acquired, not just constitutional.
• Screening for anti-factor VII antibodies is crucial in patients presenting with unexplained factor VII deficiency.
• Diluted thromboplastin time testing should be considered based on clinical suspicion.