Acquired hemophilia
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Acquired hemophilia
Acquired haemophilia
Description
Acquired Hemophilia is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets and damages a type of protein in the blood necessary for clotting. The result is spontaneous bleeding that is difficult to stop, which may occur both on the surface of the skin and internal to the body, affecting muscles and organs. Patients also bruise easily with little trauma. A range of triggers can cause severe bleeding episodes, including physical activity, surgery, and giving birth. Bleeding may also occur with no obvious cause. Treatments are available to control bleeding episodes. Without medical care, patients are at risk of muscle death or of life-threatening bleeding complications.
Bloggers
None for autoimmune forms of the disease.
Prevalence
US Cases: 500 [Collins 2007]
Typical Age of onset
65 years of age or older
Source: Yamaguchi et al (2018)
Symptoms
Excessive bleeding
Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
Bruising throughout the body
Solid swellings of congealed blood (hematomas)
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Gastrointestinal or urogenital bleeding
