[Acquired autoantibodies directed against human factor VIIIc. Treatment of 2 hemorrhagic accidents with porcine factor VIIIc].

The emergence of an autoantibody directed against factor VIII may be responsible for severe, life-threatening haemorrhages. This rare disease is usually idiopathic, but it may be consecutive to an autoimmune disease or to the absorption of certain drugs such as penicillin. The diagnosis rests on the finding of a prolonged activated thromboplastin time with presence of a circulating anticoagulant and deep fall in factor VIII level.