Factor XIII 250unit powder and solvent for solution for injection vials

Factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is a rare but serious coagulopathy. FXIII is critical in blood coagulation, and FXIII deficiencies can lead to uncontrolled or spontaneous bleeding. FXIII deficiencies can be congenital or acquired; acquired FXIII deficiency can be categorized as autoimmune and non-autoimmune. Immunological tests to measure FXIII inhibitors are required to diagnose acquired FXIII deficiency; however, appropriate test facilities are limited, which increases the turnaround time of these tests. In the case of critical bleeding, delayed test results may worsen prognosis due to delayed treatment. Here, we report a case of acquired FXIII deficiency, followed by a review of FXIII deficiency cases in Japan. We performed a systematic review to investigate the present conditions of the diagnosis and treatment of FXIII deficiency, including the measurement of FXIII inhibitors in Japan. FXIII inhibitor testing was only performed in 29.7 of acquired FXIII deficiency cases. Clinical departments other than internal medicine and pediatrics were often involved in medical treatment at the time of onset. Therefore, it is important for doctors in clinical departments other than internal medicine and pediatrics to consider FXIII deficiency and perform FXIII inhibitor testing when examining patients with prolonged bleeding of unknown cause or persistent bleeding after trauma.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading cause of preventable maternal mortality despite standard interventions. Recent fibrinogen trials failed to improve outcomes, prompting interest in coagulation factor XIII (FXIII). FXIII functions as "molecular cement," cross-linking fibrin and stabilizing clots. During pregnancy, FXIII activity decreases 20%-30%, with further depletion during PPH. Observational studies show low antepartum FXIII predicts bleeding risk, while ex vivo supplementation restores clot firmness. The SWIFT trial (NCT06481995) represents the first randomized controlled trial evaluating early FXIII supplementation in PPH. Although implementation challenges are significant (diagnostic accessibility, thrombotic monitoring, supply constraints), even modest hemostatic improvements could substantially reduce maternal mortality.

Abstract licence: CC BY