Postpartum acquired factor VIII inhibitors

Abstract

The development of factor VIII autoantibodies is a rare but severe complication of pregnancy. Although the natural history of postpartum acquired hemophilia A is usually benign, with a high percentage of spontaneous remissions and a low mortality, its quick recognition is important to control bleeding episodes. Based on an analysis of the literature, this review presents the current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, epidemiology, natural history, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic management of postpartum acquired hemophilia A. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.