High Frequency of Low Plasma Haptoglobin Values Found in Hemophilia A Patients on Prophylactic Treatment with Factor VIII Concentrates - A Sign of Hemolysis?

Abstract

SummaryLow plasma haptoglobin values have been observed in hemophilia A patients on regular prophylactic treatment with factor VIII concentrates. Two of 3 patients treated with fraction I-0 (Kabi) and 7 of 11 patients treated with high-purity concentrates (Hyland) had low haptoglobin values. Four of 8 patients who were treated with high-purity concentrates prescreened for a low content of anti-A and anti-B immunoglobulins still showed low haptoglobin levels. Unexpectedly, 2 patients of blood group 0 showed low haptoglobin values. The presence of irregular erythrocyte alloantibodies and/or other contaminants of the concentrates might thus also be a cause of hemolysis resulting in an increased consumption of haptoglobin.Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were also frequent. No correlations were found between albumin, aspartate or alanine aminotransferase levels and haptoglobin levels.