Abstract |
We studied the safety and efficacy of treatment with continuous infusion of a von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentrate Haemate-P in patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD). Three patients with mild and 5 patients with severe forms of vWD, were treated with continuous infusion of Haemate-P by minipump. The indications for treatment were: to prevent bleeding during 9 surgical procedures or 1 vaginal delivery in 6 patients and to treat 2 bleeding episodes in 2 patients. The patients were monitored daily for factor VIII (FVIII:C) and ristocetin cofactor (vWF: RCo) levels and the infusion rate was adjusted to maintain the desired therapeutic level of vWF:RCo. The treatment was effective in preventing surgical bleeding and controlling bleeding episodes. All factor VIII:C and most of the vWF:RCo levels measured during the study period were above the target therapeutic levels. A significant decrease in clearance of FVIII:C and vWF:RCo was observed over the treatment period. Haemate-P consumption averaged 24.3+/-7.9 vWF:RCo U/kg/day which is approximately half the expected dose had intermittent bolus injections been used. We suggest that continuous Haemate-P infusion is superior to intermittent bolus injections for the treatment of vWD patients by virtue of its efficiency, simplicity and considerable savings.
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Authors | A Lubetsky, S Schulman, D Varon, U Martinowitz, G Kenet, S Gitel, A Inbal |
Journal | Thrombosis and haemostasis
(Thromb Haemost)
Vol. 81
Issue 2
Pg. 229-33
(Feb 1999)
ISSN: 0340-6245 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 10063997
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- von Willebrand Factor
- Factor VIII
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Blood Loss, Surgical
(prevention & control)
- Cesarean Section
- Child
- Elective Surgical Procedures
- Factor VIII
(administration & dosage, analysis, therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Infusion Pumps
- Infusions, Intravenous
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic
(drug therapy)
- Preoperative Care
- Safety
- Treatment Outcome
- von Willebrand Diseases
(drug therapy)
- von Willebrand Factor
(administration & dosage, analysis, therapeutic use)
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