Acquired factor V inhibitor responsive to corticosteroids in a patient with double cancers

Intern Med. 2007;46(9):621-5. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6390. Epub 2007 May 1.

Abstract

A 70-year-old woman suffering from HCV-related liver cirrhosis was admitted for abnormal bleeding. Laboratory findings included PT at 46.6 sec, APTT at >212 sec, factor V activity of <3%, and factor V inhibitor of 2 BU. Having experienced a persistent bleeding tendency for one month, the patient was started on prednisolone (0.8 mg/kg/day). Within a few days, the inhibitor became undetectable and clinical bleeding disappeared. Although clinical improvement was achieved, she died 6 months after the initial bleeding episode from the progression of a lung cancer. An autopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors / blood*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / blood
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / blood
  • Factor V / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology
  • Liver Neoplasms / blood
  • Lung Neoplasms / blood
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / blood*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Blood Coagulation Factor Inhibitors
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Factor V
  • Prednisolone