Hemophilia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hemophilia, including details on genetics, causes, symptoms, blood transfusion.

Should hemophilia treaters switch to albumin-free recombinant factor VIII concentrates.

Meeks SL, Josephson CD

Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service, Emory University/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, USA. shannon.meeks@choa.org

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the albumin-free recombinant factor VIII concentrates in the treatment of hemophilia A. RECENT FINDINGS: The third-generation recombinant factor VIII product Advate has been found to be safe and effective in treating bleeding associated with hemophilia A. SUMMARY: Multiple issues must be considered when selecting a factor VIII concentrate for patients with hemophilia A including efficacy, availability, risk of transmission of infectious agents, risk of inhibitor development and cost. Third-generation recombinant factor VIII concentrates have been shown to be safe and effective. A theoretical improvement in risk of infectious agent transmission has been achieved by production of the products without human or animal plasma proteins. Controversy exists, however, with regard to a higher risk of inhibitor development with recombinant products. The higher cost of Advate can also potentially play a role in product choice. Overall every patient and their family must be presented with the advantages and disadvantages of all factor VIII concentrates, and be allowed to make an informed decision about which product to use for treatment.

Published 20 October 2006 in Curr Opin Hematol, 13(6): 457-61.
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