Virus safety of pasteurized factor VIII and factor IX concentrates: study in virgin patients

Abstract

In a long term surveillance study hemophilia A and B patients were treated with a Factor VIII HS and Factor IX HS concentrate respectively, both pasteurized by heating in solution: 10 hours at 60 degrees C. None of 31 virgin hemophiliacs treated with Factor VIII HS Behringwerke developed hepatitis B during a follow up between 6 to 60 months. One patient who received 379.280 IU Factor VIII by 977 applications showed a seroconversion after 961 days of treatment. Passive/active immunisation is suggested. 4 patients had moderate elevations of transaminases (less than 120 U/l) without clinical signs of liver disease. 2 patients suffered a non-icteric NA NB-hepatitis two months after synovectomy in the same hospital. 6 virgin hemophilia B patients who had been treated with Factor IX concentrate HS Behringwerke remained serologically negative and did not develop any symptoms indicative of a hepatic disease during a follow up between 11-29 months. The HTLV-III safety of Factor VIII HS and Factor IX HS Behringwerke is presently under investigation by determination of the corresponding antibody.