ABSTRACT
Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a bleeding disorder due to the presence of neutralizing autoantibodies named inhibitors in patients with a previously normal hemostasis. Recent international recommendations suggest the use of bypassing agents or substitutive therapy as the first-line treatment, usually preferring the former. The adequate hemostatic therapy needs an accurate balance between bleeding and thrombotic risks. We report a clinical case of acquired hemophilia A successfully treated with recombinant porcine factor VIII (Susoctocog alfa) as the first-line treatment. Despite the patient having a high-risk thrombotic score and a history of recent myocardial infarction, our experience showed the absence of thrombotic complications related to the use of Susoctocog alfa and a complete restoration of hemostatic parameters. Limited literature is present on the use of recombinant porcine factor VIII as a first-line treatment, and our report supports its use, especially when the thrombotic risk is high.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiology of anemias in Internal Medicine Departments. The study involved all patients discharged between May 1 and June 15, 2001 who, at the time of admission, had presented with hemoglobin levels < 12 g%. One thousand and nineteen data collection forms were deemed suitable for analysis and were divided according to the etiology and severity of the anemia. We discovered that simple diagnostic tests (reticulocyte count) were underused, that the majority of anemias were not corrected during hospitalization and that most inpatients of Internal Medicine wards in our Region are elderly (mean age 75 years) and suffer from polypathologies. We believe that further observational studies should be carried out in order to evaluate the progress of patients with anemia and to establish guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment.
