1. Recognition of the unique bleeding pattern and laboratory findings in acquired haemophilia A facilitates prompt treatment of a life-threatening disorder
- Author
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Juliana Perez Botero and Hunter Cameron
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Hemorrhage ,Hemophilia A ,Hemostatics ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Acquired haemophilia ,medicine ,Humans ,Intensive care medicine ,Aged ,Clotting factor ,Factor VIII ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Soft tissue ,Immunosuppression ,General Medicine ,030104 developmental biology ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Cryoprecipitate ,Etiology ,Female ,Fresh frozen plasma ,business ,Laboratories ,Partial thromboplastin time - Abstract
Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is an uncommon but severe acquired bleeding disorder caused by the development of antibodies against clotting factor VIII, impairing secondary haemostasis. It is more common in older individuals and characteristically presents with spontaneous soft tissue bleeding that can rapidly become life-threatening. Definitive treatment requires immunosuppression to eradicate anti-FVIII antibodies, while providing haemostatic support to manage bleeding. Transfusions of fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate, typically used to treat severe bleeding, are ineffective in patients with AHA. Instead, highly specialised clotting factor concentrates are required. While the appearance and extent of the soft tissue bleeding and the markedly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time are characteristic, lack of familiarity with this disease process can lead to significant treatment delays. We report the clinical course and management of a 65-year-old woman who presented with severe anaemia of unclear aetiology with unrecognised soft tissue bleeding who was subsequently diagnosed with AHA.
- Published
- 2023