Postpartum acquired hemophilia A, a case report

Abstract

Acquired hemophilia A (HAA) is a rare hematological disease, characterized by the presence of antibodies against circulating factor VIII. It occurs in adults and in half of the cases in association with autoimmune, malignant processes (oncohematological and solid tumors), dermatological diseases, allergies and in women during pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium. Hemorrhagic manifestations are diverse, predominantly spontaneous skin bleeding. Diagnosis is accurate by measuring the activity of factor VIII and the presence of its inhibitor. We present a case report of a 36-year-old patient in the early puerperium who presented with spontaneous hematomas, visceral bleeding and prolonged coagulation times. Postpartum HAA was diagnosed with good evolution after immunosuppressive treatment. Postpartum HAA has a very low incidence and, consequently, there are few cases described. Its delay in diagnosis is a conditioning factor for the high percentage of mortality. Hence the interest in publishing this case.