People with factor XI bleed because they lack or have a shortage of factor XI, a protein in their blood that is supposed to help them stop bleeding when they get hurt. We all have many proteins in our blood that work together to form a sticky substance called a clot. This clot then sticks to a place where we get hurt to stop the blood from leaking out. Factor XI is a protein that helps to form a clot. People who don’t have as much factor XI in their blood have a difficult time forming a clot. If a clot can’t form when you get hurt, you just keep bleeding. This is why people with factor XI may bleed for a long time unless they get medication to stop the bleeding.
Other Questions About Factor XI deficiency
- Will my lifespan be limited by factor XI deficiency?
- Why should I tell people at my child’s school about his factor XI deficiency?
- Why do people with factor XI deficiency bleed?
- Who else in my family should get testing for factor XI deficiency?
- Where do I find other people with factor XI deficiency?
