Circulating Anticoagulant Against Factor VIII Coexistent with Some Immunological Reactions in a Female

Abstract

The authors described a case of acquired hemorrhagic diathesis which appeared in 53-year old female three weeks after pleuropneumonia. The bleeding tendency resulted from a circulating anticoagulant selectively active against factor VIII. Its properties were investigated. The circulating anticoagulant was accompanied by hypergammaglobulinemia, cold agglutinins, and platelet agglutinins active at 4° C. Coombs’ test was positive. Treatment with corticosteroids caused the disappearance of the anticoagulant from the circulation and complete remission of the disease. It seems that the anticoagulant arose by an autoimmune mechanism.