A groundbreaking treatment in Spain manages to successfully treat and cure a patient with acquired haemophilia
The Haematology Unit of Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital has reported on the outstanding accomplishment of successfully treating a patient with acquired haemophilia. The patient, a British 80-year old gentleman, was admitted to our Costa del Sol hospital with an episode of severe bleeding that could not be contained. Doctor Agustín Hernández, Head of the Haematology Unit explains that "his clinical history showed episodes of abundant bleeding after surgical procedures. On this occasion, a small cut in his hand had caused him to lose a lot of blood and subsequently severe anaemia".
Our expert noticed that the initial coagulation tests and the patient’s clinical history were compatible with acquired haemophilia and therefore, a complex diagnosis was initiated. Once confirmed, he was prescribed a course of treatment that was uncommon in Spain and was based on the combination of two drugs (Emicizumab and Rituximab) the technical specifications of which have not yet been indicated for the treatment of acquired haemophilia in our country. Doctor Hernández highlights that "the patient had an excellent response and was confirmed as fully cured so he could return to normal life. The truth is that his case is so infrequent that it will be the object of study at the forthcoming Convention of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), to be held in Washington (USA) in June".
Acquired haemophilia is a rare condition affecting only 1.5 people in one million in the whole world. It is a health condition that can compromise the life of a patient with over 94% of the affected individuals experiencing sudden bleeding with potentially fatal consequences for over 70%. Its prevalence is so low that professional experience and intuition are key. As the Head of the Haematology Unit explains "it is very important to treat every case individually, although, this new approach has certainly shed new light for patients suffering from acquired haemophilia".
Oncohaematologic Unit
Agustín Hernández
is the Head of the Haematology Unit of the Quirónsalud Málaga and Quirónsalud Marbella hospitals. He arrived in the latter hospital in 2022 and, in his opinion, the Unit has been experiencing ongoing growth until it has become consolidated. "The commitment of our hospital and our teams of professionals with excellence have helped our Unit to offer all the latest technologies. An example of this is the treatment with bispecific antibodies, for which patients are not required to travel to other locations as they can be treated at our unique Outpatient Oncohaematologic Unit in Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital".
Haematologic diseases are conditions affecting the proper blood flow and they include anaemia, thrombosis and excessive bleeding. Oncohaematology is the branch of medicine focused on the treatment of blood cancer (leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma).
Our specialist explains: "We see all kinds of patients. Some members of the team specialise in children haematologic conditions, others specialise in multiple myeloma, some others in lymphoma or in various blood coagulation conditions..." and he assures that it is extremely important to "know what treatments and when to offer them to each patient. We are a clear example of customised precision medicine".
