Acquired Factor VII deficiency - a rare but important consideration.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated acquired Factor VII deficiency is a rare coagulation disorder which is independent of vitamin K deficiency. The exact pathophysiological basis of this condition is unclear. We present a series of cases highlighting different clinical scenarios where this condition was encountered.

CASE SERIES: The first case presented with intra-abdominal sepsis. The second was a patient admitted with acute kidney injury and subsequently diagnosed with myeloma. The final case presented with microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia and was suspected of having atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome. In each case, there was no family or personal history of a bleeding disorder. Follow-up Factor VII levels after recovery from illness was normal in all three cases.

CONCLUSION: Acquired Factor VII deficiency is an uncommon but important finding which should be considered in the general medical setting when an isolated prolonged prothrombin time is detected.