Role of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Unit in the Management of Patients with Acquired Hemophilia A

Abstract

Objective: Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII, leading to spontaneous hemorrhage in patients without a prior family or personal history of bleeding. This study describes the demographics, diagnosis, underlying disorders, bleeding characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 41 AHA patients together with specific case reports.

Materials and methods: Diagnosis and treatment of these patients occurred between 2005 and 2023. The median age at diagnosis was 67.8 (range: 15-93) years. Among the 41 patients, 10 (24%) cases were idiopathic, 4 (10%) were postpartum, 18 (44%) involved autoimmune diseases, and 9 (22%) involved a diagnosis of cancer.

Results: The diagnostic delay exceeded 30 days in 15 of the 41 cases (36.5%). A total of 38 of the 41 (93%) patients presented with spontaneous bleeding, with mucocutaneous bleeding being the most common presentation (23/41, 56%). Four patients experienced postpartum bleeding. Clinical remission was achieved by 100% of patients and no patients died.

Conclusion: Hemostatic and immunosuppressive therapy is essential in AHA, and it should be started as soon as possible in patients with bleeding. However, a significant delay in diagnosis was observed in these cases. The absence of mortality is likely attributable to the management of the disease within a specialized hemostasis and thrombosis unit, which offers a clinical ward, a specialized laboratory, and a dedicated ambulatory service. The Italian Society for the Study of Haemostasis and Thrombosis is working to secure recognition of this essential role in every hospital.