If your child has factor XI deficiency, it is likely you and your partner are "carriers" for factor XI deficiency. Carriers are people who do not have factor XI deficiency-related health problems themselves, but can pass on genetic changes which cause factor XI deficiency. If you are a carrier, your siblings and parents each have a 1 in 2, or 50%, chance to be carriers for factor XI deficiency as well. They can speak to a genetic counselor about testing to determine if they are carriers and their chances of having a child with factor XI deficiency.
If you have a child with factor XI deficiency, your other children should be tested for factor XI deficiency. It is important to test your children because people with factor XI deficiency can begin showing symptoms at different ages. Earlier diagnosis makes management and treatment easier.
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?
