Is acquired hemophilia fatal or life threatening?
Acquired hemophilia is often difficult to recognize, and can be fatal in up to 22 percent of patients. The bleeding pattern seen in acquired hemophilia differs from congenital hemophilia A or B, where internal bleeds in joint cavities and muscles are most common. With acquired hemophilia, patients most commonly bleed into the skin and soft tissues. The reason for this difference is not known. Who is at risk for acquired hemophilia? Unlike hemophilia A or B, acquired hemophilia is not inherited. Acquired hemophilia can occur in men or women (median age 64). Often, there is an underlying medical condition involved. Associations with autoimmune conditions, cancer, use of certain drugs and pregnancy (although rare) have been recognized. In about half of all cases, there is no underlying cause. What are the signs and symptoms of acquired hemophilia? People with acquired hemophilia may experience extensive bruising from bleeding under the skin. Other signs can include tea-colored urine (can
