Bleeding and response to hemostatic therapy in acquired hemophilia A: results from the GTH-AH 01/2010 study

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is due to autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) and most often presents with unexpected bleeding. In contrast to congenital hemophilia, the patients residual FVIII activity does not seem to correlate with the risk of bleeding as suggested from previous studies. Risk factors for bleeding have not been described. We used data from the prospective GTH-AH 01/2010 study to assess the risk of bleeding and the efficacy of hemostatic therapy. FVIII activity was measured at baseline and weekly thereafter. Bleeding events were assessed by treating physicians. A total of 289 bleeds were recorded in 102 patients. There were 141 new bleeds observed starting after day 1 in 59% of the patients, with a mean rate of 0.13 bleed per patient-week in weeks 1 to 12, or 0.27 bleed per patient-week before achieving partial remission. Weekly measured FVIII activity was significantly associated with the bleeding rate, but only achieving FVIII activity >= 50% abolished the risk of bleeding. A good World Health Organization performance status assessed at baseline (score 0 vs higher) was associated with a lower bleeding rate. Hemostatic treatment was reportedly effective in 96% of bleeds. Thus, the risk of new bleeds after a first diagnosis of AHA remains high until partial remission is achieved, and weekly measured FVIII activity may aid in assessing the individual risk of bleeding. These results will help to define future strategies for prophylaxis of bleeding in AHA.