Factor XIII Activity in Gastrointestinal Bleedings

The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the relationship between factor XIII activity and the outcome of gastrointestinal bleedings. Since factor XIII is of great importance in haemostasis and plays a key role in stabilizing the fibrin clot, it can be assumed that a deficiency of factor XIII leads to an unfavorable course of gastrointestinal bleedings. Our hypothesis is that early detection of such a deficiency can prevent a more severe course and that substitution of factor XIII contributes to faster cessation of bleeding, improves patient outcome and reduces the number of red cell concentrates required.