Table 1.

Treatment options in factor XI (FXI) deficiency.

TreatmentAdvantagesDisadvantages
Watch and wait Suitable for many individuals with partial deficiency No exposure to blood products. Hemorrhage may occur. 
Fibrinolytic inhibitors eg, Tranexamic acid Effective as single agent for dental extractions even in severe deficiency. Good for menorrhagia. Not available in some countries. 
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) Standard FFP Readily available. Large volumes may be required Infection risk. 
 Pathogen-inactivated FFP Safer than standard FFP. Large volumes may be required. 
 a) Solvent-detergent  Pooled donations. 
 b) Methylene blue Single donor units. Variable FXI activity. 
Factor XI concentrates Factor XI BPL
 Hemoleven LFB Predictable rise in FXI level, small volume of infusion. Not licensed or available in many countries. Thrombotic risk especially in those with predisposition. 
rVIIa  Small volume. Not licensed for this indication. 
  Instant action.
 Effective for patients with inhibitors. Thrombotic risk, the safe and effective dose yet to be decided. 
Desmopressin  Non-blood product.
 Easy to administer. No clear evidence of benefit in reported series. Need for fluid restriction for 24 h. 
TreatmentAdvantagesDisadvantages
Watch and wait Suitable for many individuals with partial deficiency No exposure to blood products. Hemorrhage may occur. 
Fibrinolytic inhibitors eg, Tranexamic acid Effective as single agent for dental extractions even in severe deficiency. Good for menorrhagia. Not available in some countries. 
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) Standard FFP Readily available. Large volumes may be required Infection risk. 
 Pathogen-inactivated FFP Safer than standard FFP. Large volumes may be required. 
 a) Solvent-detergent  Pooled donations. 
 b) Methylene blue Single donor units. Variable FXI activity. 
Factor XI concentrates Factor XI BPL
 Hemoleven LFB Predictable rise in FXI level, small volume of infusion. Not licensed or available in many countries. Thrombotic risk especially in those with predisposition. 
rVIIa  Small volume. Not licensed for this indication. 
  Instant action.
 Effective for patients with inhibitors. Thrombotic risk, the safe and effective dose yet to be decided. 
Desmopressin  Non-blood product.
 Easy to administer. No clear evidence of benefit in reported series. Need for fluid restriction for 24 h. 

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