Retrospective audit of a continuous infusion protocol for haemophilia A at a single haemophilia treatment centre.

ABSTRACT

Continuous infusion (CI) of factor concentrates has been suggested to decrease the risk of bleeding and reduce cost in the treatment of bleeding disorders. Concerns have also been raised regarding stability and sterility of products administered by CI, the risk of local thrombophlebitis and an association with the development of an inhibitor in mild haemophilia. A retrospective chart review was conducted to investigate a CI protocol regarding product use, maintenance of FVIII levels and the frequency of complications including inhibitor development. Twelve patients with haemophilia A received recombinant factor VIII by CI a total of 18 times between April 1998 and September 2003. Ages ranged from 4 months to 75 years and indications for treatment included severe bleeds and surgical prophylaxis. The protocol which was audited required a bolus of 50 U kg(-1) of FVIII followed by CI at an initial rate of 4 U kg(-1) hr(-1). All infusions were administered by i.v. infusion after diluting the reconstituted concentrate in saline. There were no documented cases of significant bleeding, adverse reactions, thrombophlebitis or infection. Two mild haemophilia A patients developed a low titre inhibitor after receiving CI. It is not clear in either case that CI was the main contributing factor. Our CI protocol will now be modified to use less product, aiming for more cost-effectiveness.