title: Acquired factor VIII inhibitor in a non-haemophilic patient: successful treatment with plasma exchange associated with factor VIII concentrate and immunosuppressors.
abstract: We report the successful treatment of a 55-year-old man with an acquired factor VIII inhibitor, the appearance of which followed surgery for a carcinoma of the biliary tract. The patient, who had recurrent life-threatening bleeding episodes, was treated with intensive plasmapheresis, factor VIII concentrates, azathioprine and methylprednisolone. Disappearance of the inhibitor was observed after the second series of plasma exchanges. Controls 2 and 3 months after treatment confirmed the complete absence of the inhibitor and normal levels of factor VIII. The crucial role of plasma exchange is considered and discussed.
mesh_terms: D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003138:Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006474:Hemorrhagic Disorders / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D005169:Factor VIII; D001379:Azathioprine; D008775:Methylprednisolone