Postpartum haemorrhage in women with mild factor XI deficiency

Factor XI deficiency: phenotypic age-related considerations and clinical approach towards bleeding risk assessment

ABSTRACT

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder that presents complex challenges in patient assessment and bleeding risk management. Despite generally causing mild to moderate bleeding symptoms, clinical manifestations can vary, and bleeding tendency does not always correlate with FXI plasma levels or genotype. Our manuscript delves into the age-related nuances of FXI deficiency across an individual's lifespan. We emphasize issues faced by specific groups, including neonates and females of reproductive age experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage. Older patients present unique challenges and concerns related to the management of bleeding as well as thrombotic complications. The current assortment of diagnostic laboratory assays shows limited success in predicting bleeding risk in the perisurgical setting of patients with FXI deficiency. This review explores the intricate interplay between individual bleeding profiles, surgical sites, and FXI activity levels. We also evaluate the accuracy of existing laboratory assays in predicting bleeding and discuss the potential role of investigational global assays in perioperative assessment. Furthermore, we outline our suggested diagnostic approach to refine treatment strategies and decision making. Available treatment options are presented, including antifibrinolytics, replacement products, and recombinant activated FVII. Finally, we discuss promising nonreplacement therapies for the treatment of rare bleeding disorders that can potentially address the challenges faced when managing FXI deficiency-related bleeding complications.

Factor XI Deficiency

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency (hemophilia C or Rosenthal disease) was first described in the 1950s in a multigenerational family experiencing bleeding related to surgery and dental procedures. Managing patients with FXI deficiency presents several challenges, including a lack of correlation of bleeding symptoms with FXI activity levels, the large volume of fresh frozen plasma required to achieve hemostatic FXI levels, lack of availability of FXI concentrate in certain regions of the world, and the inherent thrombotic risk associated with replacement therapy. This article summarizes presentation, diagnosis, and management of patients with FXI deficiency in a variety of clinical settings.