Cryoprecipitate Concentrates of Factor VIII for Surgery in Hemophiliacs

Abstract

Pool''s original method of preparing cryoprecipitate for treating hemophilia was found to be suitable for preparing factor VIII from acidified plasma that is a by-product of platelet concentrates. Preparation of cryoprecipitate was simplified by using residual ice crystals as a collecting filter to eliminate centrifugation and as a suspending medium to eliminate exogenous diluent. Experience with 4 hemophiliacs undergoing 7 surgical procedures is described. Satisfactory factor VIII levels were easily maintained with cryoprecipitate in all patients and no complications were associated with its use. Recovery of factor VIII in vitro and in vivo was evaluated, and therapeutic regimens that allow for variations in yield to assure hemostasis without laboratory control were outlined. Cryoprecipitate is superior to plasma and as effective as commercially available factor VIII concentrates, but is less expensive.