Coagulation factor deficiency apparently related to the Fitzgerald trait: the first cases in Japan.

A blood coagulation deficiency was found at the contact phase in identical Japanese female twins. Of the four possible factors involved, Factor XI or XII can be ruled out according to cross-correction studies. The problem factor was probably not Fletcher factor, because the abnormal partial thromboplastin time was not significantly shortened by increasing the incubation period of plasma with kaolin. The deficiency is most likely due to the lack of Fitzgerald factor.