Definition of Factor VII deficiency:

Factor VII deficiency is a disorder that runs in families. It is caused by a lack of enough plasma protein factor VII and leads to abnormal blood clotting (coagulation).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This disorder occurs when you lack factor VII, an important clotting protein.

When you bleed, the body launches a series of activities that help the blood clot. This is called the coagulation cascade. The process involves special proteins called coagulation factors. (Factor VII is a coagulation factor.) Each factor's reaction triggers the next reaction. The final product of the coagulation cascade is the blood clot.

When certain coagulation factors are missing, the chain reaction does not take place normally. In this disorder, bleeding can vary from mild to severe within the same person over time. Bleeding may begin during infancy or childhood. Gastrointestinal and central nervous system bleeding can occur.

The risk factor is a family history of bleeding. The incidence is 1 in 500,000.