Viral safety of coagulation factor concentrates: memoirs from an insider

P M Mannucci1

  • 1Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital Foundation, Milan, Italy.

Insights

Global efforts in 1985-1990 improved viral safety for coagulation factor concentrates. Lessons from hepatitis control informed successful HIV transmission strategies in patients with hemophilia.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coagulation factor concentrates are crucial for patients with hemophilia (PWHs).
  • The period 1985-1990 saw significant challenges with bloodborne viral infections, including hepatitis and HIV, in PWHs.
  • Confusing information complicated the management of viral safety in hemophilia treatment.

Observation:

  • Early measures to control hepatitis transmission in PWHs had limited success.
  • Understanding hepatitis control failures provided critical insights.
  • The progression of knowledge on viral transmission was essential for developing effective strategies.

Findings:

  • Global actions were taken to enhance viral safety of coagulation factor concentrates.
  • The approach to HIV transmission control was ultimately successful.
  • Knowledge gained from hepatitis virus control informed HIV strategies.

Implications:

  • Improved viral safety protocols for blood products are vital.
  • Historical analysis of viral outbreaks informs current public health responses.
  • Successful strategies for managing bloodborne viruses in immunocompromised populations can be developed through rigorous scientific understanding and adaptive measures.

Related Concept Videos

Coagulation01:06

Coagulation

Colloidal solids are solid particles suspended in solution. They are usually negatively charged, attracting a compact primary layer of positively charged ions, which attract more counterions to form an electrical double layer. Electrostatic repulsion between the charged double layers prevents the particles from colliding, stabilizing the colloids. These solids are often undesirable because they can contain toxins that are difficult to remove. Coagulation is a technique that helps aggregate and...
1.5K
Coagulation01:09

Coagulation

The coagulation phase is a critical part of the body's process to prevent blood loss following injury to blood vessels. It involves chemical reactions that form a clot to seal the injured area. The clotting process begins shortly after injury, within 15-20 seconds for severe damage and 1-2 minutes for minor injuries.
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...
10.7K
Survey Safety01:28

Survey Safety

Surveying near highways, rough terrain, or power lines involves significant risks. Working along highways is particularly dangerous and requires the use of warning signs and flagmen. It is safest to avoid working directly on roads and use offsets whenever possible. When highway work is unavoidable, it must follow all safety guidelines. Surveyors should wear bright clothing, such as orange reflective vests, to ensure visibility to motorists, coworkers, and hunters. In construction zones, wearing...
421
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
25.2K
Solution Concentration and Dilution02:59

Solution Concentration and Dilution

The relative amount of a given solution component is known as its concentration. Often, though not always, a solution contains one component with a concentration that is significantly greater than that of all other components. This component is called the solvent and may be viewed as the medium in which the other components are dispersed or dissolved. Solutions in which water is the solvent are, of course, very common on our planet. A solution in which water is the solvent is called an aqueous...
135.5K
Viral Structure00:56

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
74.8K