Haemophilia with antibodies against factor V – When the blood won’t stop flowing

Haemophilia with antibodies against factor V – When the blood won’t stop flowing

Blood clotting is a vital process in which the body seals injuries to stop blood loss. In people with hemophilia – also known as bleeding disorder – this mechanism does not work properly. This is because certain proteins in the blood, known as clotting factors, are missing or do not work sufficiently. One of these factors is the so-called factor V.

What is factor V and why is it important?

Factor V is a component of the complex system that controls blood clotting. If it is missing or blocked, the body cannot stop bleeding quickly enough. This can lead to internal bleeding even with minor injuries or even for no apparent reason.

Normally, a lack of factor V is very rare. It is even rarer for the body to produce antibodies against factor V. These are immune system antibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s own factor V, thereby blocking its function. This is referred to as an acquired inhibitor against factor V.

Symptoms and everyday life

People with this form of haemophilia can have spontaneous bleeding, for example in joints, muscles or internal organs. Dental treatment or minor operations can also be problematic. In everyday life, this means that even minor bumps or injuries must be taken very seriously. The constant worry of uncontrolled bleeding can severely impair quality of life.

What can be done?

Medical care focuses on preventing or quickly controlling bleeding and reducing the level of antibodies in the blood. In certain situations – for example with very heavy or frequent bleeding – special medication can help to promote clotting. However, in the case of antibodies against factor V, these drugs are sometimes not enough.

Toxopheresis – a blood purification procedure

Immunoadsorption (toxopheresis) is a medical procedure used to cleanse the body by selectively removing harmful substances from the blood. In individuals with antibodies against Factor V, this technique can help reduce the level of these pathogenic antibodies. Simply put, the blood is “washed” to eliminate factors that interfere with normal coagulation.

During the treatment, blood is separated from the plasma and circulated outside the body through a filtration system. After the undesired components are removed, the blood is returned to the body—all within a closed-loop system. Toxopheresis can be used to stabilize acute clinical situations or, in some cases, to prepare the ground for subsequent therapeutic interventions.

Living with the disease

Living with haemophilia and antibodies against factor V requires attention, medical care and often patience. Communication with specialized doctors, regular check-ups and individual therapy planning are crucial to getting through everyday life as safely as possible.

Even if it is not an easy diagnosis – with the right measures and a good understanding of one’s own disease, many things can be managed.