Individualised treatment of seven cases of acquired factor VIII inhibitors

Seven non-haemophilic patients with acquired Factor VIII inhibitors, admitted to Singapore General Hospital from 1986 to 1990, were studied to analyse their characteristic clinical features and therapeutic outcome. They all had low Factor VIIIC activities, ranged from 0 to 7% and their Factor VIII inhibitors ranged from 1.5 to 128 Bethesda units. All were Chinese aged 30 to 66 years, median 49 years. Six were females, with only one male. Five had associated autoimmune diseases and two had no apparent underlying disorder. One out of seven patients died despite treatment. Therapeutic approach is largely individualised. It may be life-threatening and needs prompt and adequate treatment.