What is a key characteristic of hemophilia C?

What is a key characteristic of hemophilia C?

• A. Reduced platelet count
• B. Deficiency in factor VII
• C. Deficiency in factor XI
• D. Increased clotting factor activity

Answer: (C)

Hemophilia C is primarily characterized by a deficiency in factor XI, which is crucial for the blood coagulation process. Individuals with this condition tend to have a prolonged bleeding time, particularly following injury or surgery, due to inadequate formation of the fibrin clot. Unlike other types of hemophilia, such as hemophilia A and B, which involve factors VIII and IX respectively, hemophilia C's connection to factor XI makes it unique within the group of hemophilias. Individuals with hemophilia C typically experience milder symptoms, such as easy bruising and prolonged bleeding, as factor XI is involved in the intrinsic pathway of coagulation but is not as critical as factors VIII or IX. The other characteristics associated with hemophilia C do not define the condition appropriately; for instance, reduced platelet count is not a feature of hemophilia C, nor is there a deficiency in factor VII. Increased clotting factor activity is contrary to the nature of hemophilia, which is defined by insufficient clotting factors leading to bleeding disorders. Thus, recognizing that hemophilia C specifically relates to factor XI deficiency is essential for understanding its clinical implications and management.

Hemophilia C is primarily characterized by a deficiency in factor XI, which is crucial for the blood coagulation process. Individuals with this condition tend to have a prolonged bleeding time, particularly following injury or surgery, due to inadequate formation of the fibrin clot. Unlike other types of hemophilia, such as hemophilia A and B, which involve factors VIII and IX respectively, hemophilia C's connection to factor XI makes it unique within the group of hemophilias. Individuals with hemophilia C typically experience milder symptoms, such as easy bruising and prolonged bleeding, as factor XI is involved in the intrinsic pathway of coagulation but is not as critical as factors VIII or IX.

The other characteristics associated with hemophilia C do not define the condition appropriately; for instance, reduced platelet count is not a feature of hemophilia C, nor is there a deficiency in factor VII. Increased clotting factor activity is contrary to the nature of hemophilia, which is defined by insufficient clotting factors leading to bleeding disorders. Thus, recognizing that hemophilia C specifically relates to factor XI deficiency is essential for understanding its clinical implications and management.