An overview of Acquired Hemophilia

 

Acquired Hemophilia is generally called an autoimmune disorder. This type of disorder is rare and it has bleeding characteristics. Acquired Hemophilia is not a family hereditary disease, it can occur in any individuals who does not have any medical history of clotting disorders. Acquired Hemophilia happens when the body’s immune system self attacks its own healthy tissues or cells. This disorder might be linked to some other autoimmune disorders of the body.

In Acquired Hemophilia cases, generally the body forms antibodies or inhibitors that can attack clotting factor VIII. because of this attack, complications like spontaneous and uncontrolled bleeding which occurs after post-surgery or trauma. It also includes nose-bleeding, bruising, hematomas, hematuria, and bleeding through the urogenital tract.

 

These Acquired Hemophilia symptoms become life-threatening problems. Till now, amid all the cases of Acquired Hemophilia, 50% are related to known causes which are easily identifiable while the remaining 50% cases of Acquired Hemophilia disease happens by unknown causes.

Symptoms

Acquired Hemophilia disease is an autoimmune disorder which comes under a type of bleeding-related disorder which can be fatal and it is caused by the self forming of antibodies which work against one of the plasma called coagulation factors that means Factor VIII. It typically shows symptoms which are mainly linked to bleeding. Some symptoms are:

• Hemorrhages or internal bleeding inside organs, skin, or muscles: This can become severe or life-threatening problems and also it requires prompt medical treatment on an urgent basis.

• Episodes of intra-articular bleeding: These are very serious symptoms which need urgent medical treatment.

• Epistaxis: These symptoms include nose bleeding.

• The appearance of bruises on the whole body: These bruises give more pain and experience discomforting conditions.

• Hematuria: It includes the presence of blood in the urine.

• Gastrointestinal bleeding: This has bleeding symptoms through the gut and intestine.

• Urogenital bleeding: This means blood discharge through genital tract.

• Formation of Hematomas: This means sudden selling because of the collection of blood at a specific point.

Causes

Acquired Hemophilia comes under the type of an autoimmune disease which is usually caused by self attack of the body’s immune system on healthy cells, tissues, or organs. This disorder can be fatal and it is very rare. This autoimmune disease called Acquired Hemophilia disease happens while the self formation of autoantibodies inside your body which means it attacks against Factor VIII amid plasma coagulation factors.

These antibodies prevent the function of Coagulation factor VIII, so that it can result in symptoms like spontaneous uncontrolled bleeding. On the basis of average estimation, almost 50% of cases of Acquired Hemophilia are idiopathic.

Diagnosis

Acquired Hemophilia disorder can be diagnose by following steps:

• Proper examination of the patient -  In this step, physicians examine the patient's symptoms of recent bleeding. And they also ask you about any previous history of bleeding. 

• Laboratory tests.

• Mixing investigations.

Prevention

Autoimmune disorders like Acquired Hemophilia are not present in an individual's birth time and it can also be acquired in some later stages of life. No other prevention steps for this disease.

But, at the hemophilia centers with a specialized team of doctors, the treatment is possible for Acquired Hemophilia disease. Prevention steps may be taken to avoid further complications and lower the symptoms.

Treatment

Acquired Hemophilia might be treated at the hemophilic center which is a group of specialized doctors that has experience in managing the disease. People with Acquired Hemophilia disease contain inhibitors for the coagulation factor that can be treated under the team of doctors who are specialized in the management of such types of inhibitors. The treatment steps include:

• Minimizing the bleeding risks - This step for avoiding any type of actions which causes bleeding. Actions include invasive procedures, injections, or the use of NSAIDs or antiplatelets drugs.

• Proper treatment of the disease - This step includes specific medications.

• Proper therapy for bleeding.

• Immunosuppressive therapy which includes eradication of inhibitors.

• Surgical therapy

Foods for Acquired Hemophilia

Always a well balanced healthy diet is most important for good health. People with Acquired Hemophilia disease need to maintain the overall wellbeing of an individual. Some of the foods which must be taken for this disease includes:

• Low fat food items like low-fat milk or low fat cheese.

• Protein rich foods like Dry fruits and nuts like Almonds and walnuts.

• Green leafy vegetables and fresh veggies like spinach and broccoli.

• Fresh fruits and juices

• Whole grains

• Cereals in fortified form

• Beans and soy milk

Avoid foods for Acquired Hemophilia

People with Acquired Hemophilia disease should avoid certain foods which can be worsening the condition.

Some of  food items you can avoid which include:

• Sweetened drinks like soft drinks, carbonated drinks, and energy drinks.

• Large quantities of juices.

• Bakery foods and Sauces

• Deserts like pastries, candies, sauces, cookies, crackers, pizza, etc.

• Milk products which are high in fat content include butter, lard, etc.

• Oil Fried and deep-oil fried foods etc.

Physical exercises for  Acquired Hemophilia

Some of the optional physical exercises include:

• Stretching: Stretches is a mild form of exercise which can be easily done in Acquired Hemophilia.

• Yoga: Typically, Regular Yogas provide much relaxation to your mind which keeps you more active. Yoga steps will improve overall blood circulation throughout the body.

• Meditation: This will help you to calm your mind and it can reduce stress. This will help for faster and better recovery.

• Regular physical activities: It is too good to maintain the proper blood circulation in the body.

• Walking: This includes brisk walking. It is necessary for the healthy well-being of the individual.

Post-treatment guidelines

People with Acquired Hemophilia disease should follow some post-treatment guidelines. Some of the guidelines include:

• Regular dental care

• Regular medical checks up for the occurrence of any infection.

• Follow regular vaccinations to build up immunity power against other infections.

• Do regular physical activities or mild exercises.

• Should avoid medications like aspirin.

Frequently Asked questions

Q1. What are the symptoms of acquired hemophilia?

Ans: Signs and symptoms include prolonged bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, bruising throughout the body, solid swellings of congealed blood (hematomas), hematuria, and gastrointestinal or urologic bleeding.

Q2. What age does acquired hemophilia occur?

Ans: There is a small peak in incidence in women aged 20-30 years, and a major peak in males aged 60-80 years.

Q3. What is the most common site of hemophilia?

Ans:  Bleeding into the joints is the most common site of bleeding in hemophilia. 

Q4. Is hemophilia A lifetime disease?

Ans: Haemophilia is a lifelong condition. It can't be cured, but with current clotting factor treatments it can be managed effectively. 

Q5. What are the stages of hemophilia?

Ans: Hemophilia can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on how much of the clotting factor is in a person's blood.