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When coagulation fails in the oldest: Acquired hemophilia caused by chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a 92‐years‐old woman
Author(s) -
Masotti Luca,
Vecce Roberto,
Gianchecchi Daniele,
Cantini Roberto,
Cannistraro Daniela,
Matteucci Angela,
Cecconi Nadia
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2005.00283.x
Subject(s) - medicine , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , coagulation , titer , anemia , lymphoproliferative disorders , pediatrics , hematology , leukemia , surgery , gastroenterology , antibody , immunology , lymphoma
Acquired hemophilia is a severe, potentially life‐threatening condition usually involving elderly patients, caused by an auto‐antibody against factor VIII of coagulation. We describe the case of a 92‐years‐old woman who came to our attention for severe acute anemia associated with many spontaneous diffuse skin bleedings secondary to a prolonged aPTT 110 sec, factor VIII < 1% with a titer of factor VIII inhibitor of 5.5 Bethesda Units. A diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia was determined. We treated the patient with a blood transfusion and intravenous corticosteroids with prompt reduction of aPTT and inhibitor factor VIII titer. The present case report involving a very old patient could represent an example of acquired hemophilia as a first manifestation of a lymphoproliferative syndrome.