Acquired inhibitor of factor VIII associated with prostate cancer in patient aged 71 – case report

Abstract

Acquired hemophilia (AH) is a rare and serious disease mainly affecting elderly patients. It is caused by the production of autoantibodies directed against coagulation factors mainly factor VIII. Patients present spontaneous bleeding: subcutaneous, intramuscular and mucosal. Up to 50% cases of AH remain unexplained. Autoimmune disorders, neoplastic diseases, infections and drugs are predisponding factors. Therapy of bleeds included activated prothrombin complex concentrates and activated recombinant factor VII. In most patients with AH immunosuppressive therapy results in elimination of antibody and restoration of factor VIII activity.