Summary
Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare but often severe bleeding disorder caused by
autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). AHA occurs more frequently
in the elderly and in association with several conditions, such as the post-partum
period, malignancies, autoimmune diseases or drug exposure; however, approximately
50% of reported cases are apparently idiopathic. Beside the elimination of the underlying
disorder, the therapeutic approach to AHA should be directed toward the control of
acute bleed and the eradication of FVIII autoantibody production. In this narrative
review, we summarise the current knowledge on the epidemiology, diagnosis and clinical
features of AHA, focusing in particular on advances in the management of this challenging
bleeding disorder.
Keywords
Acquired haemophilia A - FVIII - auto-antibodies - bleeding - inhibitors - therapy