Hypoprothrombinemia; Prothrombin deficiency

You can control blood loss by getting infusions of fresh or frozen plasma or concentrates of clotting factors into the blood. If a lack of vitamin K is causing the disorder, you can take vitamin K by mouth, through injections under the skin, or through a vein (intravenously).

Diagnosing a bleeding disorder is important so that the doctor can take extra care if you need surgery, and can test or warn other family members who might be affected.

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See hemophilia - resources.

The outcome can be good with proper treatment.

This is a life-long bleeding disorder if you get it from your parents.

If it is caused by liver disease, the outcome depends on how well your liver problem can be treated. Taking vitamin K will treat vitamin K deficiency.

Severe bleeding, even into the brain, can occur.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have unexplained or long-term blood loss or if you can't control the bleeding.

Images

Blood clot formation

Blood clots

Blood clotting

Previous Section

Factor II deficiency Symptoms

Next Section

Factor II deficiency Prevention

Review Date: 02/28/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)