Bleeding associated with coagulation factor inhibitors

Acquired autoantibodies targeting coagulation factors are fortunately rare. However, unfamiliarity with them can lead to misinterpretation of clinical presentations and screening laboratory tests, erroneous or delayed diagnoses, and inappropriate management decisions which may result in severe morbidity or mortality. Using acquired neutralizing antibodies to factor VIII (acquired hemophilia A) as a model for clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, management of bleeding, and immunosuppression treatment, this chapter reviews our current knowledge of acquired inhibitors of the coagulation system.