Spontaneously developing autoantibody to factor VIII in an elderly woman: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

J Assoc Physicians India. 2004 Jan:52:72-3.

Abstract

An elderly woman with a continuously bleeding small wound was investigated for the presence of antibodies to FVIII using activated partial time-based screening and confirmatory tests. A late acting coagulation factor inhibitor was detected. The same was characterised to be a low titre antibody against FVIII (5.2 Bethesda units). Cryoprecipitate infusions, corticosteroids and topical desmopressin were unsuccessful in controlling the bleeding. Addition of cyclophosphamide brought about stoppage of bleeding and disappearance of the autoantibody.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies / isolation & purification*
  • Factor VIII / immunology*
  • Factor VIII / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fibrinogen / therapeutic use
  • Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Hemorrhage / immunology
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • cryoprecipitate coagulum
  • Factor VIII
  • Fibrinogen