Idiopathic acquired haemophilia with inhibitors to factor VIII and IX in an elderly female: a case report

Acquired haemophilia is a rare but life-threatening haematological disorder, commonly occurring in postpartum women and elderly age groups. Although 50% of cases are idiopathic, most cases of elderly patients are associated with malignancies and drugs such as penicillin and interferon. Early diagnosis with prompt control of bleeding and treating the underlying condition is important to reduce morbidity and mortality. Here we report a rare case of an elderly female presenting with mucocutaneous bleeding found to have inhibitors against both factors VIII and IX. She was diagnosed to have idiopathic acquired haemophilia after excluding the secondary causes. She was promptly started on immunosuppressive therapy which led to complete remission. We confirm that early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of acquired haemophilia in elderly patients presenting with bleeding disorders will enhance prognosis.