Loading...
Acquired hemophilia is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by the presence of antibodies to clotting factor VIII. Although relatively rare, it is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, as well as economic effects because treatments can be very expensive. Most investigations of this disease have involved small numbers of patients, generally from referral centers.
This new observational study included every patient (172) in the U.K. in whom acquired hemophilia was diagnosed during a 2-year period. The annual incidence of acquired hemophilia was 1.48 per million people; median age was 78, and women slightly outnumbered men (57% to 43%). No other diagnosis was made in 63% of patients; 17% had autoimmune or collagen vascul…