Factor XIII deficiency leading to preseptal haematoma post-strabismus surgery

Abstract

A young girl with constant exotropia was planned for surgery. Thorough preoperative workup was done and the patient underwent strabismus surgery. The girl developed preseptal haematoma on the third postoperative day with marked chemosis and oozing of blood from the conjunctival cul-de-sac. A history of factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency was later revealed by the caretakers. The patient was admitted and fresh frozen plasma was transfused for 5 days along with intravenous tranexamic acid. Orbital ultrasound and CT scan were done to confirm the location of the haematoma. The child improved significantly after 5 days and the proptosis subsided. FXIII deficiency is a rare form of bleeding disorder that is not revealed on routine coagulation profile tests. Fresh frozen plasma and recombinant FXIII are now available for treatment.