Congenital afibrinogenemia is a rare, inherited blood disorder in which the blood does not clot normally. It occurs when you are missing or have a problem with a protein called fibrinogen, which is needed for the blood to clot.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
This rare disease is caused by an abnormal gene that must be passed down from both parents. There may be either a lack of fibrinogen or a defect in the functioning of available fibrinogen. This condition can occur in both sexes. The main risk factor is a family history of bleeding disorders.
Symptoms:
Bruising
Nosebleeds
Excessive bleeding after injury or surgery
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Bleeding in joints
Miscarriage
Signs and tests:
If the health care provider suspects a bleeding disorder, laboratory tests can determine the type and extent. This disorder usually shows up in childhood, often at birth.
All of these tests are abnormal in afibrinogenemia.
Review Date: 3/13/2007
Reviewed By: Mark Levin, M.D., Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Hematology, General Pediatrics
