A case of serious bleeding

Abstract

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare disorder with a high mortality rate. It occurs due to autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) which neutralise its procoagulant function resulting in severe bleeding. This disease may be associated with autoimmune diseases, malignancies, infections or medications and occurs most commonly in the elderly. Diagnosis is based on the isolated prolongation of aPTT which does not normalise after the addition of normal plasma along with reduced FVIII levels. Treatment involves eradication of antibodies and maintaining effective haemostasis during bleeding. We report a case of a 76-year-old patient with a history of haemorrhage with severe anaemia. The article describes difficulties and complexities of clinical and therapeutic management of the patient.