Acquired Hemophilia is an autoimmune disorder, (a disorder where the patient's body's own immune system mistakes its the healthy tissue as foreign), which attacks blood clotting factor VIII, thus, obstructing its purpose. Unfortunately, it is not widely recognized because it is so rare, as the majority of hemophilia cases are diagnosed early in childhood and are genetic. Unlike most hemophilia, which is most common in males, acquired hemophilia affects both men and women uniformly.
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Around half of the acquired hemophilia cases have no known cause, which makes it extremely difficult for hematologists to diagnose and for scientists to prevent. Treatments include immunosuppressing drugs and clotting factor injections. Acquired hemophilia is diagnosed by laboratory testing, such as clinical picture confirming, and evidence of new onset bleeding without any family or personal history of hemorrhagic disorders. Testing can show an isolated increase in partial thromboplastin time (PTT), associated with a normal prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time and platelet count. Just like genetic hemophilia, if left untreated, acquired hemophilia can be dangerous and life-threatening.
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