Potential thrombogenicity of heat-treated prothrombin complex concentrates in Haemophilia B

We have studied the potential thrombogenicity of two different heat-treated prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) in patients with Haemophilia B. Seven patients were studied on nine separate occasions. Four of the patients had chronic hepatitis C (HCV) associated liver disease and three were HIV-antibody positive. The PCCs were Profilnine (Alpha Therapeutics, Thetford, UK) and 9A (Bio-Products Laboratory, Elstree, UK) and the dose administered ranged from 35 to 60 U/kg. Blood samples were taken on ten separate occasions; twice before the infusion and at 15, 40, 60, 75 and 120 min and 4, 8 and 24 h after the infusion of PCC. Investigations included prothrombin time, kaolin cephalin clotting time, thrombin time, fibrin(ogen) degradation products, factor VIII, factor IX, antithrombin III and fibrinopeptide A (FPA). Fibrinopeptide A rises were seen following two of six infusions of 9A and one of three infusions of Profilnine. On all three occasions the rise in FPA was transient, returning to baseline levels within 120 min. Plasma beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) was assayed in three patients and in one patient, the rise in FPA was followed by an increase in BTG. No other changes were observed and there were no clinical features of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Our results indicate that even with normal clinical doses of PCC, intravascular thrombin generation can occur in patients with Haemophilia B. However, this effect is inconsistent both with respect to PCC batch and patient, but may occur in the absence of HIV infection and HCV liver disease.