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Transmission of human parvovirus B19 by coagulation factor concentrates

M D Williams1, B J Cohen, A C Beddall

  • 1Haematology Department, Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.

Vox Sanguinis
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Children with bleeding disorders receiving non-heat-treated factor concentrates had high rates of human parvovirus B19 antibody. Heat-treated factor VIII concentrate significantly reduced B19 virus transmission risk.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Hematology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Congenital bleeding disorders require regular treatment with blood-derived clotting factor concentrates.
  • Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a potential pathogen transmitted through blood products.
  • Assessing B19V exposure in vulnerable pediatric populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of antibodies to human parvovirus B19 in children with congenital bleeding disorders.
  • To evaluate the risk of B19V transmission associated with different factor concentrate treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Serological testing for anti-B19 IgG antibodies in 86 children with bleeding disorders.
  • Comparison of antibody prevalence between children receiving non-heat-treated factor VIII or prothrombin complex concentrates, cryoprecipitate, and age-matched controls.
  • Investigation of acute B19V infection in children receiving specific factor VIII concentrate batches.
  • Assessment of B19V acquisition in children treated with heat-treated factor VIII concentrate.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence (89%) of anti-B19 IgG was found in boys treated with non-heat-treated factor VIII or prothrombin complex concentrates.
  • Children receiving non-heat-treated concentrates showed significantly higher B19V antibody rates compared to controls (38%) and cryoprecipitate recipients (48%).
  • Two cases of acute B19V infection were linked to a specific batch of commercial factor VIII concentrate.
  • Only 1 of 11 susceptible children acquired B19V after receiving heat-treated National Health Service factor VIII concentrate, indicating a reduced transmission risk.

Conclusions:

  • Non-heat-treated factor concentrates pose a significant risk for transmitting human parvovirus B19 to children with bleeding disorders.
  • Heat treatment of factor VIII concentrate substantially reduces the risk of B19V transmission.
  • Heat treatment may also mitigate the transmission of other heat-labile viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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