The use of intermediate-purity clotting factor concentrates and HIV disease progression in men with haemophilia

On the basis of evidence from the immune systems of patients with haemophilia infected with HIV, patients in the UK have been switched to high-purity clotting factor concentrates. However, there is very little information currently available on the effect of intermediate-purity clotting factor concentrates on progression of HIV disease. Among 99 HIV-positive men with severe factor VIII deficiency registered at The Royal Free Hospital Haemophilia Centre, a 100 IU kg(-1) increase in the yearly amount of concentrate received did not appear to be associated with more rapid progression to AIDS, death or to a low CD4 count. However, the use of total concentrate usage may mask a more subtle effect of specific concentrate contaminants on the progression of HIV disease.