A spontaneous factor V inhibitor with unexpected laboratory features.
In a patient with a spontaneous inhibitor detected against factor V, the initial pattern of laboratory results suggested a possible nonspecific (lupuslike) inhibitor, a finding that did not agree with the clinical history. Further evaluation led to the identification of the specific inhibitor. The patient was then treated successfully with platelets and immunosuppression. This case highlights the nonspecific nature of many of the procedures utilized to evaluate patients with circulating anticoagulants and underscores the need for a careful integration of clinical and laboratory data to diagnose and manage these patients properly.
D000368:Aged; D005165:Factor V / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010976:Platelet Count; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D013925:Thromboplastin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D005165:Factor V; D013925:Thromboplastin