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Semin Thromb Hemost 2009; 35(8): 806-813
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1245113
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Recent Improvements in the Clinical Treatment of Coagulation Factor Inhibitors

Massimo Franchini1 , 2 , Giuseppe Lippi2 , 3
  • 1Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
  • 2Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
  • 3Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 February 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The mainstay of therapy in patients with congenital hemophilia is factor replacement. However, the development of inhibitors in these patients is a major complication that represents an important challenge in hemophilia care. Development of inhibitors complicates the clinical course of severe hemophilia in up to 30% of patients with hemophilia A and up to 5% of patients with hemophilia B. Although the main short-term objective of the treatment of alloantibodies against factors VIIII and IX is to control the bleeding diathesis, the eradication of the inhibitor is the leading long-term goal. The management of severe bleeding episodes and the definitive eradication of the autoantibody are also the two main options of the clinical management of patients with acquired hemophilia, a rare but life-threatening hemorrhagic condition. The most recent options available for treating patients with acquired hemophilia and congenital hemophilia with inhibitors are addressed in this review.

KEYWORDS

Inhibitors - hemophilia - bleeding - immune tolerance - therapy

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Massimo FranchiniM.D. 

Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy

Email: mfranchini@ao.pr.it