Prothrombin complex concentrates. Use in treatment of hemophiliacs with factor VIII inhibitors

R. H. Yolken and M. W. Hilgartner

The development of factor VIII inhibitors has been a major problem in the management of hemophiliacs. The use of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) has been advocated as a method of overcoming this problem. We utilized PCC in the treatment of nine hemophiliac patients who had significant levels of inhibitor. Acute bleeding episodes were successfully treated in all nine patients. Single infusions of PCC were usually adequate for control of joint and soft tissue bleeding episodes, while multiple infusions were usually required for more serious hemorrhages. In addition, programs of repeated infusions were used to heal chronically inflamed joints in three patients. The only side effect of treatment was one episode of asymptomatic elevation of liver function values that resolved spontaneously. There were no thrombotic events associated with the PCC infusions. Therapy with PCC is recommended for the management of hemophiliacs with factor VIII inhibitors.