Acquired Haemophilia

Acquired haemophilia is a spontaneous development of inhibitors to one’s own FVIII.  Acquired haemophilia occurs in about one person per million. The underlying cause of inhibitor development is usually idiopathic (unknown) but may occur in relation to pregnancy, autoimmune disease, the use of certain medications or cancer. Patients with acquired haemophilia may present to the hospital as a result of a severe spontaneous bleeding episode. These bleeding episodes are very difficult to control, and will not typically respond to treatment with FVIII.