Use of a high-purity factor VIII concentrate (Hemate P) in von Willebrand's disease.

In previous studies, we have found Hemate P (Behring) to be the only commercial virus-inactivated high-purity factor VIII concentrate that contains native von Willebrand factor. In the present study, Hemate P was given to 7 patients with the severe recessive form of von Willebrand's disease, to 2 patients with type Ia, to 1 patient with type IIB, and to 1 patient with type IIC von Willebrand's disease. A correction of the hemostatic defect was seen in all patients. Satisfactory hemostasis was also obtained in clinical situations, 1 patient undergoing major surgery and another being delivered, both without undue loss of blood. We conclude that Hemate P is an efficacious and safe product for use in cases of von Willebrand's disease when pharmacological correction of the hemostatic defect is not possible.