Italian 
English CASI CLINICI – Case Reports
Volume:
Biochimica Clinica 2013; 37(6) 500-503
Pubblicato on-line:
DOI:
Idiopatic acquired hemophilia A in two women in Chioggia
AUTORI
1Transfusional Service, 2Service of Laboratory Medicine, 3Onco-Hematology Unit, 4General Medicine Unit, 5Service of Diagnostic Radiology and 6Emergency Department, Ospedale Madonna della Navicella, Chioggia, VE
ABSTRACT
Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare, but often life-threatening hemorrhagic disorder characterized by antibodies directed against coagulation factor VIII. We report clinical and laboratory investigations of two cases with AHA observed in our hospital. These patients were two elderly women (73 and 62 years old), who presented with subcutaneous bleeding, intramuscular hematoma and a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). On the basis of these findings as well as decreased factor VIII activities and the presence of factor VIII inhibitors, we made a diagnosis of AHA. Both patients were referred to a specialized hospital for treatment. The diagnosis of AHA should be considered in any elderly patient who presents with bleeding and prolonged aPTT. Moreover, the coexistence of a series of underlying diseases associated with AHA should be always searched for.