FACTOR XII (Hageman Factor) DEFICIENCY

Factor XII (FXII) deficiency, also called Hageman factor deficiency, was first identified in 1955 in John Hageman. Its incidence is estimated at 1 in a million. FXII deficiency is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, meaning both parents must carry the gene to pass it on to their children; it affects men and women equally. It is more common in Asians than other ethnic groups.

FXII interacts with the activation of FXI to FXIa to generate thrombin, a protein that converts fibrinogen to fibrin, which traps platelets and helps hold a clot in place.

 

Symptoms

Some people with FXII deficiency experience poor wound healing. However, most do not display bleeding manifestations, even after major surgery.

 

Testing

Since bleeding time is usually normal, diagnosis is made by a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test. A factor XII assay helps confirm the diagnosis.

 

Treatment

No treatment is required.