A patient with a history of easy bruising and bleeding is found to have a deficiency of factor XIII. What is the expected outcome of this deficiency?

A Increased risk of thrombosis
B Impaired wound healing ✓
C Prolonged prothrombin time
D Reduced fibrinogen levels

Explanation

Factor XIII, also known as fibrin stabilizing factor, is essential for cross-linking fibrin molecules to form a stable clot. A deficiency in factor XIII can lead to impaired wound healing due to the formation of unstable clots that are prone to breakdown.

Source

Williams Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high