A hemorrhagic syndrome of the elderly patient caused by anti-factor VIII antibodies

Abstract

We report here 2 cases of elderly patients who were admitted to our Department of Geriatrics for a hemorrhagic syndrome. The patients were found to be affected by a coagulopathy with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), caused by the presence of an acquired inhibitor of Factor VIII. This syndrome, due to anti-Factor VIII antibodies, is surely an important clinical entity that is not easy to diagnosed, but in concomitance with a hemorrhagic syndrome and prolonged aPPT it should always be suspected. In fact, a quick diagnosis is very important in order to apply specific treatment as soon as possible.