Blood products used in the treatment of hemophilia.
The treatment of the hemophilias is a great challenge to all clinicians involved in the care of hemophiliacs. The proper use of blood products, such as whole blood, plasma, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitated factor VIII, commercial factor VIII concentrate, prothrombin complex concentrate, and anti-inhibitor coagulant complex, has a significant effect on the quality of care that these patients receive. Manufacturers now have the ability to commercially prepare some of these products as dry powders requiring reconstitution prior to use. This capability has enabled the department of pharmacy to store, and the pharmacist to dispense, such products as commercial factor VIII concentrate, prothrombin complex concentrate, and anti-inhibitor coagulant complex when needed. Consequently, the practicing pharmacist should possess a basic understanding of how and when the different blood products are used in the treatment of hemophilia. A review of these blood products is presented.
D005169:Factor VIII / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D010949:Plasma