A case report of severe bleeding due to lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome.

Association of acquired factor II deficiency and lupus anticoagulant is a rare disease that can be related to sudden, severe or fatal haemorrhage. We present a 74-years-old woman with history of myelodysplastic syndrome, admitted to the Emergency Department due to spontaneous mucocutaneous bleeding. Coagulation assays revealed prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time with evidence of an immediate acting inhibitor. Antithrombotic therapy usage, drug ingestion, disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver dysfunction and sepsis were excluded. Patient was admitted for close monitoring and etiological evaluation. A comprehensive bleeding diathesis workup was performed showing factor II levels severely decreased and transient positive lupus anticoagulant. Immunosuppression with methylprednisolone lasted for 3 days, followed by prednisolone. After 20 days she was discharged and follow-up was scheduled. Early diagnosis of lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome is critical, as it may result in fatal complications if not treated appropriately. There is no consensus regarding the best treatment, most being based on immunosuppression.