Congenital Factor VII Deficiency Research Articles

Clinical, Laboratory, and Molecular Aspects of Factor VII Deficiency.

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency, the most frequent among the recessively inherited disorders of blood coagulation, is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, from mild mucosal bleeds to life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage. Complete FVII deficiency may cause perinatal lethality. Clinically relevant thresholds of plasma levels are still uncertain, and modest differences in low FVII levels are associated with large differences in clinical phenotypes. Activated FVII (FVIIa) expresses its physiological protease activity only in a complex with tissue factor (TF), which triggers clotting at a very low concentration. Knowledge of the FVIIa-TF complex helps to interpret the clinical findings associated with low FVII activity as compared with other rare bleeding disorders and permits effective management, including prophylaxis, with recombinant FVIIa, which, however, displays a short half-life. Newly devised substitutive and nonsubstitutive treatments, characterized by extended half-life properties, may further improve the quality of life of patients. Genetic diagnosis has been performed in thousands of patients with FVII deficiency, and among the heterogeneous F7 mutations, mostly missense changes, several recurrent variants show geographical distribution and identity by descent. In the general population, common F7 polymorphisms explain a large proportion of FVII level variance in plasma through FVII-lowering effects. Their combination with pathogenic variants may impact on the frequent detection of FVII coagulant levels lower than normal, as well as on mild bleeding conditions. In the twenties of this century, 70 years after the first report of FVII deficiency, more than 200 studies/reports about FVII/FVII deficiency have been published, with thousands of FVII-deficient patients characterized all over the world.

Congenital FⅦ Deficiency Associated with a Novel Mutation in F7 Gene

To identify the genetic mutation of coagulation factor Ⅶ ( F7) gene in a pedigree with coagulation factor Ⅶ (FⅦ) deficiency and explore the molecular pathogenesis. The prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), D-dimer (DD), fibrin degradation products (FDP) and coagulation factor Ⅶ activity (FⅦ:C) of the proband and her family members were detected by Sysmex-CS5100 analyzer. All exons and exon-intron boundaries of the F7 gene were amplified by PCR followed by direct sequencing. The detected mutation was confirmed by reverse sequencing. The ClustalW software was used to analyze the conservatism of the mutant site. Pathogenicity of the mutation was assessed with Mutation Taster and PolyPhen-2 online bioinformatics software. Structure of the mutant protein was analyzed using Swiss-PdbViewer software. The results of routine coagulation tests showed that PT of the proband was markedly extended to 42.5 s, and her FⅦ:C significantly reduced to 2%. The FⅦ:C of her grandmother, mother and sister had slightly reduced to 49%, 51%, and 42%, respectively. These coagulant parameters of her father were within the normal range. Genetic analysis reveled a heterozygous G>A change at cDNA 646 in exon 6 of F7 gene in the proband, resulting in a replacement of glycine at 156 of FⅦ catalytic region with serine (p.Gly156Ser). The sequencing results of other exons and exon-intron boundaries of her F7 gene were normal. The proband's grandmother, mother and sister were all the carriers of this missense mutation except her father. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the p.Gly156Ser mutation caused polarity change of the amino acid at this site and formation of side chains, leading to increase of protein instability, which may affect catalytic activity of structural domain. Meanwhile, both Mutation Taster and PolyPhen-2 online bioinformatics software also predicted the pathogenicity of this missense mutation with high scores. The heterozygous p.Gly156Ser mutation is the direct cause of the reduced FⅦ in this proband.

Genetic Landscape of Factor VII Deficiency: Insights from a Comprehensive Analysis of Pathogenic Variants and Their Impact on Coagulation Activity.

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare genetic bleeding disorder characterized by deficient or reduced activity of coagulation FVII. It is caused by genetic variants in the F7 gene. We aimed to evaluate the rate of detection of pathogenic variants in the F7 gene in a large group of patients with FVII deficiency and investigate the correlations between the F7 genotype and FVII activity (FVII:C). Moreover, the influence of the common genetic variant rs6046: c.1238G>A; p.(Arg413Gln), designated as the M2 allele, on FVII:C was investigated. Genetic analysis of the F7 gene was performed on 704 index patients (IPs) using either direct Sanger- or next-generation sequencing. Genetic variants were detected in 390 IPs, yielding a variant detection rate (VDR) of 55%. Notably, the VDR exhibited a linear decline with increasing FVII:C levels. We identified 124 genetic variants, of which 48 were not previously reported. Overall, the frequency of the M2 allele was considerably higher in patients with mild deficiency (FVII:C > 20 IU/dl). Furthermore, IPs lacking an identified pathogenic variant exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of the M2 allele (69%) compared to IPs with a disease-causing variant (47%). These results strongly support the association of the M2 allele with decreased FVII:C levels. This study shows the utility of FVII:C as a predictive marker for identifying pathogenic variants in patients with FVII deficiency. The M2 allele contributes to the reduction of FVII:C levels, particularly in cases of mild deficiency.

Patient with congenital factor VII deficiency undergoing brain tumor neurosurgery successfully treated with recombinant factor VIIa and fresh frozen plasma: A case report and literature review

Rationale: Congenital factor VII deficiency is the most common among rare bleeding disorders, characterized by spontaneous or traumatic bleeding. The clinical manifestation is heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic phenotype to life-threatening hemorrhages. Intracranial hemorrhage is a common complication of brain tumor neurosurgery, which significantly challenges the perioperative management of patients with hemostatic defects. Patient concerns: This report presented a 55-year-old man with congenital factor VII deficiency, who had no history of hemorrhage or family history. He underwent a craniotomy for the treatment of papillary craniopharyngioma. Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed as papillary craniopharyngioma, factor VII deficiency, and atrial fibrillation. Interventions: To prevent bleeding, a total of 8 doses of recombinant activated factor VII and 1 dose of fresh frozen plasma were administered as the perioperative replacement therapy. This scheme was guided by a pharmacodynamic evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging examinations. Outcomes: No excessive surgical bleeding was observed during the 22-day treatment. The patient was found to have compound heterozygous mutations, Ala304Thr (c.910G > A) and IVS5-2A > G (c.572-2A > G), in the F7 gene. Lessons: This is the first reported case in which surgical hemorrhage secondary to brain tumor resection was successfully controlled in the presence of congenital factor VII deficiency. Perioperative coagulation state, hemostasis, and thrombosis events should be closely observed, and the interval and dosage of recombinant factor VIIa should be adjusted accordingly.

Genotype-Phenotype Relationship among 785 Unrelated White Women with Inherited Congenital Factor VII Deficiency: A Three-Center Database Study.

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency, a rare bleeding disorder resulting from mutations in the F7 gene with autosomal recessive inheritance, exhibits clinical heterogeneity that lacks a strong correlation with FVII:C levels. The objective of this study was to discern genetic defects and assess their associations with the clinical phenotype in a substantial cohort comprising 785 white women exhibiting FVII:C levels below the age-dependent cut-off percentage. Individuals with verified inherited factor VII deficiency underwent i) genotyping using the Sanger method and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to identify F7 mutations, including common polymorphic variants. Additionally, they were ii) categorized based on clinical bleeding scores (BS). Thrombophilic variants and blood groups were also determined in the study participants. The probands in this study encompassed both asymptomatic individuals (referred for a laboratory investigation due to recurrent prolonged prothrombin time; n = 221) and patients who manifested mild, moderate, or severe bleeding episodes (n = 564). The spectrum of bleeding symptoms included epistaxis, gum bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, postoperative bleeding, and gynecologic hemorrhage. The median ISTH bleeding score (BS) recorded within a two-year period prior to the work-up was 2 (0-17). Notably, this score was significantly higher in symptomatic women compared to their asymptomatic counterparts (3 versus 0; p < 0.001). The corresponding PBAC score before hormonal treatment stood at 225 (5-1200), exhibiting a positive correlation with the ISTH BS (rho = 0.38; p = 0.001). Blood group O was more prevalent in symptomatic women compared to asymptomatic individuals (58 versus 42%; p = 0.01). Among the 329 women (42%), known and novel mutations in the F7 gene, encompassing coding regions, exon/intron boundaries, and the promoter region, were identified, while common polymorphisms were detected in 647 subjects (95%). Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for clinical and laboratory data (including blood group, FVII activity, the presence of F7 gene mutations and/or polymorphisms, thrombophilia status, and additional factor deficiencies) revealed that older age at referral (increase per year) (odds/95% CI: 1.02/1.007-1.03), the presence of blood group O (odds/95% CI: 1.9/1.2-3.3), and the coexistence of further bleeding defects (odds/95% CI: 1.8/1.03-3.1) partially account for the differences in the clinical bleeding phenotype associated with FVII deficiency. The clinical phenotype in individuals with FVII deficiency is impacted by factors such as age, blood group, and the concurrent presence of other bleeding defects.

Congenital Factor VII Deficiency : A Retrospective Analysis of 14 Cases from One Hospital

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings,diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency. Methods Clinical data of 14 patients of congenial FVII deficiency diagnosed from Jan 2019 to Jun 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 14 patients,there were 8 males and 6 females with median age 31.5 (1.3~70) years. Family history was found in 2 cases. There were 7 cases with bleeding symptoms, of which were mucocutaneous bleeding (1 case), gingival bleeding (2 cases), menorrhagia (3 cases), hemoptysis (1 case ), post-surgery hemorrhage (1 case), and 1 case with cerebral infarction. Menorrhagia occurred in 3 cases (75% of female patients who were in fertile age). Laboratory findings were characterized by significantly prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (19.2~58.9s) , of which could be corrected by mixed normal plasma, normal partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and decreased FVII activity (FVII:C) (2.4~24.7%). 1 case and his family members received gene mutation analysis and compound Heterozygous mutation (heterozygous deletion mutation and heterozygous missense mutation) was found in the proband. 3 cases were treated with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC), 1 case with PCC and human recombinant activated FVII (rhFVIIa). 10 patients with no or mild bleeding symptoms did not receive any replacement therapy. Conclusion Most patients with congenital FVII deficiency have mild or no bleeding symptom, but have a tendency to excessive bleeding after surgery or trauma. There is no significant correlation between FVII:C and the severity of bleeding symptoms. Prophylaxis could be applied in patients with severe bleeding symptom. Gene mutation test is significant for diagnosis, prognosis prediction of the disease.

Interleukin 10, but not tumor necrosis factor-alpha, gene variations are associated with factor VII inhibitor development.

Development of alloantibodies against coagulation factor VII (FVII) is the main therapeutic challenge in severe congenital FVII deficiency. About 7% of patients with severe congenital FVII deficiency develop an inhibitor against FVII. In this research, the relationship between interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-α gene variants and inhibitor development was evaluated for a group of Iranian patients with severe congenital factor VII deficiency. Patients with FVII deficiency were divided into 2 groups: 6 cases and 15 controls. Genotyping was performed using the amplification-refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. We found that IL-10 rs1800896 A>G gene variant is associated with the risk of FVII inhibitor development (OR = 0.077, 95% CI = 0.016-0.380, P = .001), whereas the TNFα-rs1800629G>A variant has no relation with inhibitor development in severe FVII deficiency. The results show that the IL-10 rs1800896 A>G variant increases the risk of developing an inhibitor in patients with severe congenital FVII deficiency.

675 - Congenital factor VII deficiency presenting with severe intracranial hemorrhage

675 - Congenital factor VII deficiency presenting with severe intracranial hemorrhage

Factor VII Padua in Iran: clinical and laboratory findings of three unrelated patients.

The congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency with an estimated incidence of one per 300 000 is the most common rare congenital bleeding disorder. The heterogeneous clinical pictures, including asymptomatic to life-threatening manifestations, are seen in patients with FVII deficiency. A variety of gene variants throughout the FVII ( F7 ) gene have been reported so far. In this setting, very rare FVII Padua polymorphism provokes an interesting condition in which results of prothrombin time and FVII activity are different based on the thromboplastin sources used in these tests. The current study aimed to report the phenotype and genotyping of patients with Padua variant. During the workup of the laboratory for FVII deficiency for diagnosis of FVII Padua, all patients with FVII deficiency who had prolonged prothrombin time, normal activated partial thromboplastin time, and variable FVII activity results using different sources of thromboplastin were included. Demographic data and clinical findings were recorded. For the molecular study, the F7 gene sequencing was performed using the Sanger sequencing technique. Five patients with FVII Padua and a history of mild-to-moderate bleeding, including easy bruising, epistaxis, gingivorrhagia, and bleeding after surgical challenges (including dental extraction and tonsillectomy), were detected during the study. DNA sequencing revealed a heterozygote CGG to CAG (Arg364Gln) variant in exon 9 at nucleotide position 1091, consistent with the genetic variant of FVII Padua. Timely diagnosis of FVII Padua is vital to avoid unnecessary exposure of patients to replacement therapy.

Reproductive health and hemostatic issues in women and girls with congenital factor VII deficiency: A systematic review

BackgroundCongenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is an inherited bleeding disorder, with heterogenous bleeding symptoms. Women with FVII deficiency face hemostatic challenges during menstruation, ovulation, and childbirth. This systematic review evaluated prevalence and management of bleeding symptoms associated with gynecological and obstetric issues in women with FVII deficiency. MethodsDatabases (BIOSIS Previews, Current Contents Search, Embase, and MEDLINE) were searched for studies reporting FVII deficiency and gynecological or obstetric issues in women. Articles were screened using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and relevant data extracted. ResultsOne hundred fourteen women were identified from 62 publications. Forty‐six women had severe deficiency (FVII:C < 5% or <5 IU/dl). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was the most common bleeding symptom (n = 94; 82%); hospitalization and urgent medical/surgical interventions for acute HMB episodes were required in 16 women (14%). Seven women reported ovarian bleeding (6%); other bleeding symptoms varied. Patient management was inconsistent and included hemostatic and hormonal treatments. Only four women (7%) reporting vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) occurred following 12/45 deliveries (27%; 5 [42%] requiring blood transfusion) and was not necessarily prevented by prophylaxis (8 women). ConclusionWomen with congenital FVII deficiency have an increased risk of HMB, ovarian bleeding, and PPH, impacting quality of life. Recognition of a bleeding disorder as the cause is often delayed. Management of bleeding complications is heterogeneous due to lack of treatment guidelines. Harmonizing severity classification of FVII deficiency may help standardize treatment strategies and development of specific guidelines for these women.

Factor VII Deficiency in China: The Genotype-Phenotype Analysis and Current Status of Management

Introduction: Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is one of the rare bleeding disorders characterized by a wide molecular and clinical heterogeneity. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the correlations among the F7 genotype, FVII activity (FVII:C) and bleeding phenotype of patients with FVII deficiency throughout China and to show their current status and management. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed demographics, patient characteristics, clinical history and manifestation, gene mutation and treatment strategy of 193 patients with FVII deficiency registered across China. Results: The most frequent bleeding symptoms were epistaxis (44.6%), cutaneous (38.9%), oral cavity (40.4%) bleeding and menorrhagia (44.3% of females in fertile age). Fatal central nervous system bleeding and joint deformity hemarthrosis occurred in 3 and 3 patients, respectively. The majority of patients (89.6%) belonged to the FVII:C ≤10% group and the proportion of symptomatic patients in this group (79.8%) was significantly higher than that in 10%<FVII:C≤25% (41.7%) and 25%<FVII:C≤50% group (37.5%) (Chi2=13.641, P=0.001). Major bleeds just occurred in patients with FVII:C≤10%. Most mutations were missense (62.5%) and most patients were detected with homozygous (10.9%) or compound heterozygous (74.5%) mutations. Prothrombin complex concentrates (72.4%) was the most frequently used on-demand replacement therapy. Prophylaxis before delivery could decrease the risk of postpartum bleeding in women (Chi2=69.243, P=0.000). Conclusion: Our study provided useful information on the relationship among F7 genotype, FVII:C, clinical phenotype and current status of patient management, and may promote further exploration of FVII deficiency in the future as well as care of this population in China.

Factor VII deficiency in China: Phenotype, genotype and current status of management.

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder characterised by a wide molecular and clinical heterogeneity. We investigated the clinical phenotype of 193 patients and F7 genotype of 55/193 patients with FVII deficiency throughout China and showed their current status of management. The most frequent bleeding symptoms were epistaxis (44.6%), cutaneous (38.9%), oral cavity (40.4%) bleeding and menorrhagia (44.3% of females of reproductive age). Fatal central nervous system bleeding and disabling joint bleeding occurred in three patients each. The majority of patients (89.6%) had FVII activity (FVII:C) ≤10% and the proportion of symptomatic patients in this group (79.8%) was significantly higher than that in the groups with FVII:C >10%-25% (41.7%) and >25%-50% (37.5%) (χ2 = 13.641, p=0.001). Major bleeds occurred only in patients with FVII:C ≤10%. In total 55 patients underwent genotype analysis: most variants were missense (62.5%) and most patients had homozygous/compound heterozygous (85.4%) variants. Prothrombin complex concentrates (72.4%) were the most frequently used on-demand replacement therapy. Prophylaxis before delivery decreased the risk of postpartum bleeding in women (χ2 = 69.243, p=0.000). Our study provides useful information on the phenotype, genotype and current status of FVII-deficiency patients management and may promote further exploration and care of this population in the future.

Thromboelastometry as an Ancillary Tool for Evaluation of Coagulation Status after rFVIIa Therapy in a Pregnant Woman with Severe Hypoproconvertinemia-A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare hemorrhagic diathesis. In females, heavy menstrual and postpartum bleeding can appear as a consequence of its deficiency. Supplementation of the recombinant FVIIa is widely accepted. The supplementation effect in FVII-deficient subjects is difficult to predict, and severe hemorrhage has been described even when FVII levels after supplementation were within normal ranges. The aim of this report is to present the application of thromboelastometry to control the coagulation status in a patient with severe FVII deficiency during pregnancy and delivery, supplemented by rFVIIa per protocol complicated with life-threatening venous thromboembolism. Methods: Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was performed in 16 pregnant women: in one 28 year old primigravida at 35 weeks of pregnancy with congenital FVII deficiency after rFVIIa administration and 15 healthy women at 38 gestational weeks. The results were compared. Results: The thromboelastometry results showed significant shortening of the clotting time in the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathway in the hypoproconvertinemia patient after rFVIIa administration in relation to healthy pregnant women. A significant reduction in maximum lysis of the clot after FVII supplementation was observed. Conclusions: The thromboelastometry results showed a significant hypercoagulable state with hypoproconvertinemia. Thrombotic complications after delivery might be prevented by the reduction in rFVIIa guided by thromboelastometry. Thromboelastometry performed on a pregnant woman with factor VII deficiency during the supplementation of rFVIIa in peripartum time might be helpful in order to determine an individual, effective dosage regimen of rFVIIa to ensure full correction of clotting disorders without the tendency to develop thrombosis, but further studies are needed.

Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of patients with congenital factor VII deficiency in a multicenter study in Thailand

ObjectiveThe phenotypic and genotypic analysis of patients with congenital factor VII deficiency were retrospectively conducted. MethodsThe study included 26 patients defined as severe (n = 25) and moderate (n = 1) degree by FVII <10% and 10–20%, respectively. ResultsThe diagnosis of factor VII deficiency was based on an isolated prolonged prothrombin time with subsequent factor assay. The median age of first bleed was 7 days (IQR 2–11.2 days). Central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract bleeding were found among all patients with severe degree. Patients with FVII <1–3% exhibited serious bleeding during the first week to the first month of life while patients with FVII >3% did not exhibit serious spontaneous bleeding. The initial bleeding episodes were controlled by administering fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and switched to factor concentrates among a few patients upon definite diagnosis. Subsequent prophylaxis was provided to patients with initial severe bleeding manifestation using FFP (15 ml/kg) 2–3 times weekly or recombinant factor VIIa (90 μg/kg) twice weekly. Genotypic analysis revealed homozygous or double heterozygous mutations among all patients except one patient with heterozygous mutation combined with homozygous polymorphism at codon 413 of G to A substitution (AA) at exon 8 of the FVII gene. The FVII gene mutation was commonly found at IVS6+1G > T (38.3%), followed by p.K376 X (19.2%) and IVS2+2T > C (17.0%). The case fatality rate was 19.2% (5/26) among patients with severe degree. ConclusionEarly diagnosis and appropriate management of congenital factor VII deficiency is essential for favorable outcomes.

High Prevalence of Congenital Factor VII (FVII) Deficiency in Adolescent Females with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Iron Deficiency Anemia

To examine the clinical characteristics and prevalence of congenital bleeding disorders (CBDs), with emphasis on congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency and other rare bleeding disorders, in adolescent and young adult females referred to a hemophilia treatment center (HTC) for evaluation and management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) DESIGN: In this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed the clinical characteristics and prevalence of CBDs in postmenarchal females, younger than 22 years of age, referred to an HTC from 2015 to 2021 for evaluation of HMB with or without IDA. One hundred females, with a mean age of 15 years (range 9-20 years), met initial study criteria, and 95 were included in the final analysis. Forty-five (47%) females were ultimately diagnosed with a CBD. The most prevalent diagnoses were FVII deficiency and type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) (42.3%, n=19 each). Forty-two percent of patients with FVII deficiency had a low-for-age FVII activity level, 21.1% were only positive for the FVII R353Q variant associated with borderline FVII levels, whereas 36.8% had both a low-for-age FVII activity level and a positive R353Q variant. Eighty percent of patients with a CBD were found to have relatives with abnormal bleeding symptoms. Congenital FVII deficiency is prevalent among female adolescents experiencing HMB with or without IDA. In addition to VWD, evaluation for this specific factor deficiency should be considered as part of the initial CBD workup. Presence of abnormal bleeding history in the family could also help to predict presence of a CBD.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of two factor VII deficiency patients from southeastern China.

The congenital factor VII deficiency (FVIID) is a rare autosomal recessive haemorrhagic disease caused by mutations in the F7 gene. The aim of this study was to identify the mutations causing FVII deficiency and explain the genotype-phenotype association in two unrelated Chinese patients. Mutation detection was conducted by sequencing the whole F7 gene coding exons, exon-intron boundaries and the untranslated regions of 3' and 5'. Then, the genetic information was analyzed to predict the structures of the mutated proteins. A total of four different mutations were detected, including three missense mutations (c.64G>A, c.286A>G, and c.722C>A, predicting p.Gly22Ser, p.Arg96Gly, p.Thr241Asn, respectively) and one insertion mutation (c.204_205insCGGC, predicting p. Leu68Argfs ∗ 37), among which two were reported for the first time (p.Arg96Gly, p.Leu68Argfs ∗ 37). Multiple sequence alignments of FVII protein revealed that the residues p.Arg96 and p.Thr241 were highly conserved. The novel missense mutation p.Arg96Gly was determined as damaging with online software Polyphen-2 and SIFT. We investigated two asymptomatic patients diagnosed with severe FVII deficiency and identified two novel mutations (the mutation p.Arg96Gly and p.Leu68Argfs ∗ 37). Identification of the F7 mutations was important for genetic counseling and accurate prediction of the inheritance pattern.

Clinical phenotype and F7 gene genotype in 40 Tunisian patients with congenital factor VII deficiency.

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder characterized by a weak phenotypic and genotypic correlation. This study aimed to determine the genetic alterations of 40 Tunisian patients and to evaluate their relationships with the collected clinical and biological data. Forty FVII-deficient Tunisian patients have been included in this study. First, diagnosis of the FVII deficiency was made on the basis of FVII coagulant activity (FVII:c) levels performed using the prothrombin time assay. Then, clinical and anamnesis data were set up and filed out from the regional registry of bleeding disorders and the medical file of each patient. Finally, genetic alterations were determined by direct sequencing of the coding regions, intron/exons boundaries of the F7 gene. Clinical heterogeneity was noticed, and the direct sequencing allowed the identification of 13 F7 gene mutations of which one was a novel mutation. The clinical manifestations are variably associated with FVII activity FVII:c levels. Lack of relations between severity of clinical manifestations and genotypes was observed; however, a relationship between the nonpathogeneous mutations and clinical phenotypes was noticed. A wide phenotypic inter-individual variability was detected, which suggests the presence of other extra-genetic components influencing the expressivity of the deficiency.

Coagulation Factor VII: Genetic, Molecular, and Clinical Characteristics

: Coagulation factor VII (FVII) is a vitamin K-dependent serine protease that plays a pivotal role in normal hemostasis. Mature FVII is a glycoprotein comprised γ-carboxyglutamic acid-rich (Gla) domain, two epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains, an activation domain, and a serine protease domain. FVII requires proteolytic activation followed by tissue factor (TF) binding for maximal activity. The F7 gene (14.8 kb) is located on 13q34, composed of nine exons and eight introns. The congenital FVII deficiency is a rare coagulopathy with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance that occurs due to mutation in the F7 gene. A considerable number of mutations of different types have been identified throughout this gene affecting the expression, structure, and post-translational alterations of the protein. FVII deficiency is the most frequently recessively inherited bleeding disorder. Subjects with FVII deficiency show a wide range of symptoms, including cutaneous hemorrhage, mucosal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, joint bleeding, and central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage. Unlike other coagulation factor deficiencies, serum levels of FVII do not demonstrate the severity of the disease, and there is no direct correlation between serum levels and clinical complications. Replacement therapy is the treatment of choice for FVII deficiency. Various therapeutic products such as prothrombin complex concentrate, plasma-derived FVII concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, and activated recombinant FVII are available to treat FVII deficient individuals. This review aims to provide information on molecular, biochemical, and clinical aspects of coagulation FVII, its role in hemostasis, and the consequences of its deficiency.

Perioperative management for patient with congenital factor VII deficiency who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Case report.

Introduction and importanceIn patients with congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency, perioperative bleeding events are concern, so recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is favorably used, but the optimal dosage regimen has not clearly established. We report management of a patient with congenital FVII deficiency who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Case presentationA 70-year-male with congenital FVII deficiency was diagnosed as acute cholecystitis, so we planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy. FVII activity and prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR) were intraoperatively monitored as scheduled. At the start of surgery, FVII activity was 3.1% (75–130%) and PT-INR was 3.37 (0.8–1.2), so 1 mg of rFVIIa was administered. Both of these values then improved to 325.0% and 0.73, respectively. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed without unexpected bleeding or oozing. When FVII activity and PT-INR was re-checked 6 h after the first administration of rFVIIa, these values were 23.9% and 1.53, respectively. Additional 1 mg of rFVIIa was used only once after the operation. The patient was discharged on the sixth day after surgery without postoperative complication.Clinical discussionIn this case, rFVIIa was used just twice and there were no bleeding events during the perioperative period. Previous reports suggested using 15–30 μg/kg of rFVIIa before surgery and subsequent every 4–6 h in the first 24 h, then increasing the interval to 8–12 h. It is necessary to evaluate optimal dose of rFVIIa based on the risk and surgical invasiveness for each case.ConclusionOur patient with congenital FVII deficiency uneventfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

AryoSeven RT (Coagulation factor VIIa, recombinant) safety and efficacy study among congenial factor VII deficient patients in Iraq

BACKGROUND: Recombinant activated factor VII (FVII) is a product onetime evolved to stop bleeding occurring in hemophilia A and B patients with inhibitor, congenital FVII deficiency, Glanzmann disease, and in life-threatening bleeding. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the coagulation factor VIIa, recombinant (AryoSeven RT) among congenital FVII deficiency patients at different centers in Iraq. METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective, observational, noninterventional study done at 5 medical centers in Iraq and it included 22 patients with FVII deficiency (congenital form) older than 14 years of age. Patients are recorded and followed for 6 months and they are subjected to AryoSeven RT depending on each patient individually. There were 3 main visits and 3 unscheduled visits for each patient during the study. Effectiveness evaluation was performed 6 h after each intervention. Adverse drug reactions related to the administration of AryoSeven RT were reported for each patient during each visit. RESULTS: A total of 22 participants were enrolled, classified into 18 (82%) were female and 4 (18%) were male. The mean age was 27.5 ± 14.0 years. Among 91 bleeding events, AryoSeven RT efficacy was effective in 89 events, excellent in 1 event, and partially effective in also 1 event. There was a reduction of PT from baseline (57.3 ± 15.2 s) to (13.9 ± 6.2 s) after 1st dose of AryoSeven RT and more reduction after 2nd dose of therapy (13.4 ± 4.4 s) and these were statistically significant (P = 0.001). Regarding FVII activity, there was a significant increase from baseline (8.4% ± 8.0%) to (95.8% ± 46.6%) after 1st dose and (131.8% ± 40.1%) after 2nd dose of AryoSeven RT with P = 0.001 for both. No major adverse events were reported except for headache in one participant (4.5%), and injection site reactions in three participants (13.6%).) CONCLUSION: AryoSeven RT is safe and effective clinically and by laboratory data in stopping bleeding in patients older than 14 years with inherited FVII deficiency.