Overview
Acquired prothrombin deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder where the body does not have enough of a clotting protein called prothrombin (also known as Factor II). Unlike inherited forms of prothrombin deficiency, this condition is not something you are born with — it develops during your lifetime due to another underlying cause. Prothrombin is made in the liver and plays a key role in helping blood clot properly. When levels are too low, the blood cannot clot as it should, leading to abnormal or excessive bleeding. This condition can be caused by several things, including liver disease (which reduces the liver's ability to make clotting proteins), vitamin K deficiency (since prothrombin depends on vitamin K to work), use of blood-thinning medications like warfarin, or rarely, the development of antibodies that attack prothrombin — a situation sometimes seen in people with lupus or other autoimmune conditions. Symptoms can range from easy bruising and prolonged bleeding from cuts to more serious internal bleeding. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause, replacing clotting factors when needed, and stopping dangerous bleeding episodes. With proper management, many people do well, though outcomes depend heavily on what is causing the deficiency.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Easy or unexplained bruisingProlonged bleeding from cuts or woundsHeavy or unusually long menstrual periodsBleeding gumsNosebleeds that are hard to stopBlood in the urineBlood in the stoolBleeding into joints causing pain and swellingExcessive bleeding after surgery or dental proceduresSpontaneous internal bleeding in severe cases
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
1 availablePHYTONADIONE PHYTONADIONE
anticoagulant-induced prothrombin deficiency caused by coumarin or indanedione derivatives
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Acquired prothrombin deficiency at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Acquired prothrombin deficiency.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is causing my prothrombin deficiency, and can that underlying cause be treated?,What are my current prothrombin levels, and what level is considered safe?,What should I do if I have a bleeding episode at home — when should I go to the emergency room?,Are there any medications, supplements, or foods I should avoid that could make bleeding worse?,Do I need to take any precautions before dental work or surgery?,How often do I need blood tests to monitor my condition?,Is there a risk that this condition could come back after treatment?
Common questions about Acquired prothrombin deficiency
What is Acquired prothrombin deficiency?
Acquired prothrombin deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder where the body does not have enough of a clotting protein called prothrombin (also known as Factor II). Unlike inherited forms of prothrombin deficiency, this condition is not something you are born with — it develops during your lifetime due to another underlying cause. Prothrombin is made in the liver and plays a key role in helping blood clot properly. When levels are too low, the blood cannot clot as it should, leading to abnormal or excessive bleeding. This condition can be caused by several things, including liver disease (whic
How is Acquired prothrombin deficiency inherited?
Acquired prothrombin deficiency follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Acquired prothrombin deficiency?
4 specialists and care centers treating Acquired prothrombin deficiency are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.