Acquired Hemophilia A

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2021 Dec;35(6):1131-1142. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.07.007. Epub 2021 Sep 15.

Abstract

Acquired hemophilia A is a potentially severe bleeding disorder caused by antibodies against the patient's own factor VIII. Acquired hemophilia A is rare. It is most commonly diagnosed in older individuals; about one-half of cases of acquired hemophilia are associated with underlying conditions, including autoimmune disease, cancer, and pregnancy. The diagnosis of acquired hemophilia A can be suspect with an isolated activated partial thromboplastin time elevation, and confirmed with demonstration of reduced factor VIII activity and the presence of a specific factor VIII inhibitor. Treatment of acquired hemophilia A involves control of bleeding, and eradication of the inhibitor.

Keywords: Acquired hemophilia A; Bleeding disorder; Hemophilia; Inhibitor; aPTT.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Factor VIII*
  • Female
  • Hemophilia A / diagnosis
  • Hemophilia A / therapy
  • Hemorrhage
  • Humans
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Factor VIII

Supplementary concepts

  • Factor 8 deficiency, acquired