Acquired haemophilia
Nearly all people with haemophilia are born with it. This is called a hereditary bleeding disorder. However, a person can develop a different kind of haemophilia throughout life, usually as an adult, although this is very rare. This is known as an acquired bleeding disorder.
Acquired haemophilia can occur when a person’s immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly target their own factor VIII. It is very rare but can sometimes occur in older people and young women who are in the later stages of pregnancy or have recently given birth. The bleeding pattern is different to inherited haemophilia and it is usually curable with treatment.
Acquired bleeding disorders are not inherited or passed on to children. Men and women are equally likely to be affected by an acquired bleeding disorder.
LINKS TO SELECTED RESOURCES:
Acquired hemophilia
(National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD))
If you have acquired haemophilia, ask your Haemophilia Treatment Centre for more information about your disorder.
Sources:
Australian Bleeding Disorders Registry Annual Report 2019-20. Canberra: National Blood Authority, 2020. Accessed 6 February 2023
World Federation of Hemophilia. Acquired hemophilia. Montreal: WFH, 2012. Accessed 2 February 2023
Date last reviewed: 6 February 2023
Important Note: This information was developed by Haemophilia Foundation Australia for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a treating health professional. Always see your health care provider for assessment and advice about your individual health before taking action or relying on published information.
This information may be printed or photocopied for educational purposes.