Acquired factor XIII deficiency: a therapeutic challenge

Thromb Haemost. 2013 Mar;109(3):479-87. doi: 10.1160/TH12-08-0604. Epub 2013 Jan 10.

Abstract

Less than 60 cases of acquired factor (F)XIII deficiencies have been reported, most having distinct clinical features. To illustrate the therapeutic challenges of acquired FXIII inhibitors, we report a case of a 65-year-old patient with no previous bleeding history who suddenly developed massive haemorrhages associated to a strong and isolated FXIII inhibitor. No underlying disorder has been detected till now after three years of follow-up. Despite aggressive treatment with prednisone, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, immunoglobulin, immunoadsorption and immune tolerance his inhibitor is still present, although at low titre and with a clinical benefit since the patient has no more bleed since more than one year. Moreover the patient had a venous thromboembolic complication. After a review of the management of acquired FXIII deficiency patients and based on the management of acquired haemophilia we discuss a possible strategy for such difficult cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Algorithms
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Factor XIII / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Factor XIII / biosynthesis*
  • Factor XIII Deficiency / therapy*
  • Fibrinolysin / therapeutic use
  • Hematology / methods
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / therapeutic use
  • Immunosorbent Techniques
  • Male
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Rituximab
  • Time Factors
  • Venous Thromboembolism / complications
  • Venous Thromboembolism / therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Rituximab
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Factor XIII
  • Fibrinolysin
  • Prednisone