Acquired factor V inhibitor associated with life-threatening bleeding and a mixing test result that indicated coagulation factor deficiency

Hematology. 2013 Sep;18(5):300-4. doi: 10.1179/1607845412Y.0000000072. Epub 2013 May 15.

Abstract

A mixing test is useful for distinguishing between coagulation factor deficiency and the presence of inhibitor as the cause of coagulopathy. However, we experienced a patient with acquired factor V (FV) inhibitor whose mixing test showed a coagulation factor deficiency pattern. A 65-year-old man with a tendency for bleeding was referred to our center. The laboratory data showed remarkable prolongation of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). FV activity was less than 3%. A mixing test showed a coagulation factor deficiency pattern. However, neither the tendency for bleeding nor the coagulation tests were corrected by transfusion of fresh frozen plasma. A few days later, a positive test for FV inhibitor of 3 Bethesda units was obtained. Therefore, we started prednisolone and plasma exchange, and the coagulation test results normalized after 6 weeks. Although an incubation period is generally not considered necessary in a mixing test for FV inhibitor, we repeated mixing tests with various incubation periods and confirmed an incubation period-dependent prolongation of the APTT. Therefore, a mixing test with an incubation period is recommended for the detection of FV inhibitor, since a mixing test without an incubation period may show a coagulation factor deficiency pattern when the titer of FV inhibitor is low.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Coagulation
  • Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors / blood*
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / methods
  • Factor V / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Hemorrhage / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors
  • factor V clotting antigen
  • Factor V