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Acquired haemophilia in the elderly
F Geurs1, G Baele, M Afschrift
1Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Acta Clinica Belgica
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Acquired inhibitors of Factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) can cause bleeding disorders, particularly in elderly individuals. Immunosuppressive therapy and plasmapheresis show promise in managing this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acquired inhibitors targeting Factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) represent a rare but significant cause of bleeding diathesis.
- These antibodies can arise spontaneously, predominantly in the elderly population.
Observation:
- The study reports on four elderly patients presenting with a characteristic clinical and biological syndrome of acquired FVIII:C inhibitors.
- No underlying etiological disease was identified in these patients.
Findings:
- All reported patients demonstrated a favorable response to immunosuppressive treatment.
- Plasmapheresis proved effective in managing the condition in one of the patients.
Implications:
- This suggests immunosuppression as a viable therapeutic strategy for acquired FVIII:C inhibitors in the elderly.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal management of spontaneous FVIII:C inhibitors is warranted.