Acquired hemophilia A: an underdiagnosed, severe bleeding disorder

Acquired hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder caused by autoantibodies that inhibit coagulation factor VIII. In most cases, it manifests with severe, often life‑threatening bleeds. Acquired hemophilia may be idiopathic or secondary to another condition, most commonly other autoimmune disease or cancer. Treatment is directed to stop bleeding and eradicate inhibitory autoantibodies. Like in most life‑threatening conditions, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for good prognosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of acquired hemophilia are constantly improving owing to the increasing availability of laboratory diagnostic tests and growing awareness of physicians of various specialties.